Public services

About our public services programmes

People with all kinds of interests and backgrounds are needed to make our communities safer for everyone. Our teachers know exactly how to get you prepared for a career in public services. 

We work in partnership with your potential future employers, including: Thames Valley Police, HM Prison Service, British Army, Royal Navy, RAF and the fire and rescue services. This gives you exposure to real-life training situations and allows you to forge relationships with key industry contacts.

What to expect:

• expert training for the public services entrance tests
• development of communication, self-discipline and team-working skills
• opportunity to visit various public service settings such as prisons, police stations, crown courts, fire stations and RAF bases
• participation in outdoor activities and the opportunity to do your Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award

What is a career pathway?

Education takes time and money. By giving you a clear view of what qualifications you need to get the job and the salary that you want, we take the stress out of learning.

Our career pathway maps show you the entry requirements for each qualification and how long they take to achieve. With each new qualification, you have the option to continue studying at the next level or explore your employment options with a guide to the jobs and salaries you can expect at that stage. Each step of the way, our career advisors are there to help you make the right choice for you.

By focusing on your future employability and opportunities, we hope to inspire in you the drive to succeed and make the most of your investment in education. 95% of students that completed a course with us progressed directly into employment or onto higher-level learning such as a higher-level course, apprenticeship or university study.*
*AL destination data for 16-19 year olds

While the right qualifications can get you a job interview, it’s the attributes that we teach alongside your chosen programme that will get you the job. Click here to find out more about our Attributes and Learning Philosophy.

What could my future job look like?

Here are some examples of the tasks that you may be carrying out:

• Armed Forces: offering a variety of roles, from soldier to engineer or air crew, working for the armed forces will require flexibility, time management skills, precision and the ability to respond to discipline.
• Door supervisor: carry out door security tasks and assist customers entering a residential building or business, such as a nightclub, ensuring they are safe at all times.
• Bodyguard: protect someone such as celebrities, politicians or wealthy businesspeople, travelling with them at all times and ensuring they are safe, providing crowd control as needed.
• Police officer: work as part of a team to maintain law enforcement and keep communities safe.

The public services industry

Are you looking to work in the British Army, Royal Navy, RAF, Royal Marines, police, prison or probation services, or fire and rescue services?

Professions in the public services industry include roles in law and order, the armed forces, and also security. It is the responsibility of firefighters as well as members of the police, British Army and Royal Navy, to keep members of the public safe. If you are passionate about your community, you could join them.

With plenty of opportunities for progression and promotion, you’ll never get bored. You’ll see life in a difference way, as you learn new skills and develop your attributes. 

If you want a career that’s hard work but rewarding, the public services might be perfect for you.

search our public services programmes

Industry partnerships

We have industry-specific programmes and partnerships with local employers including:

• Thames Valley Police Firearms
• HM Prison Service
• Army
• Navy
• RAF
• Fire Service
• Ambulance Service

This gives exposure to real-life training situations and allows you to forge relationships with key staff while taking part in residential trips and outdoor activities.