Preparation for Public Services - Level 2 Diploma

The BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Preparation for Public Services is designed to equip you with the knowledge, understanding, self-discipline and skills required for success when moving towards a career in the uniformed services, including police service, fire and rescue service, law, prison service, paramedic science or armed forces.

The course allows you to investigate the uniformed services; what they are and what careers are available to you. You will, through the units chosen, find out what people in the different services do in their job roles, how they work and how they interact with each other through multi-agency working.

Units within the course will allow you to discover the levels of fitness required for each of the uniformed services and the difference between the armed forces, police, fire and rescue service. This course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, practical activities, outside visits and visiting specialist speakers from the industry sector. There will also be workshops and tutorials relating to the assignment programme.

Content that may be included:

• Health and Fitness for Entry to the Uniformed Public Services
• Expedition and Land Navigation Skills
• Employment in the Uniformed Public Services
• Crime and its Effects on Society
• Community and Cultural Awareness
• Public Service Skills and Support for the Community
• Security Procedures in the Public Services
• Activities and Teamwork for the Public Services

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English Language and Maths

Or

• Level 1 Diploma in an appropriate subject, with Functional Skills in Maths and English at Level 1

All applicants must have an interview and assessment to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

You will be assessed by a range of methods, including written assignments, practical assessments and in-class presentations. The course includes elements of physical training and assessment of stamina, muscular endurance and physical fitness. 

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Upon completion of the BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Preparation for Public Services learners can progress into employment in the armed services or progress to higher level qualifications (BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services) or apprenticeship programmes.

Miss Altenor joined City and Islington College in 2017 teaching the Public Services Level 2 and 3 courses as well as the Level 3 Health and Social Care course. 

Miss Altenor has a sports background where she has previously worked as a Sports Development Officer and for the NHS as a Technical Instructor working specifically in Mental Health. She has previously taught YMCA, NVQ and BTEC Level 1-3 sports courses with adults and 16+ learners. Miss Altenor has a Certificate in Education and did her BEd in Education at the Institute of Education. 

Miss Altenor also works with British Weightlifting as an Educator; she is also qualified Category 1 Technical Official (TO) with the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) where she has represented Great Britain at many international Senior and Junior weightlifting competitions. Miss Altenor has also worked as a Technical Official at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.

Mr Lewis has worked in the public services for over 30 years, in the police service as a police officer in central London, and in the National Health Service as a nurse. He has been teaching for the past 15 years on both Further Education and university curriculums and remains a guest lecturer at The University of West London. 

Mr Lewis is the Curriculum Manager for the City and Islington Crime Academy which incorporates Uniformed Protective Services and Forensic Science. His areas of specialism are Critical and Major Incident Policing, Public Order Policing, Trauma Care, Professional Standards and Discipline, as well as Forensic Psychology and Human Behaviour. He also provides drill and self-defence training to Public Services students.

Mr Lewis completed the 2-year Post Graduate Certificate in Education in 2016 at Greenwich University, having earlier completed his 3-year Nursing and 2-year Police Officer training and a 3-year BA (Hons) at the Open University in Forensic Psychology. Mr Lewis is currently studying for another BA (Hons) degree in Educational Psychology at the Open University.

Mr Lewis is a member of the society for Education and Training and the International Police Association. He is also a mentor for trainee teachers following the University of Greenwich Post-Graduate Certificate in Education. 

When he is not at work or studying, Mr Lewis mentors students internationally who are completing their masters degree or doctorate.

Darren joined City and Islington College in September 2021. He began his teaching career in Further Education in February 2008 teaching Sport and Uniformed Protective Services subjects at Nescot College and East Surrey College for 11 years. Darren was a tutor for Uniformed Protective Services and supported the learners in completing their university applications.  Darren has also been a Head of Department for the Care Services including Public Services, Sport, and Forensic Science. 

Before going into teaching Darren worked in the South African Air Force as a Regimental Instructor and Training Officer.  He trained new recruits who joined the South African Air Force on military discipline, weapons training, and physical fitness.

Darren is a volunteer with the Royal Air Force Air Cadet (RAFAC) organisation. He is a commissioned officer.  Darren works as a Training Officer supporting young cadets in gaining knowledge and skills in subjects such as Youth First Aid, Airmanship and Expedition Skills.  He is also a qualified supervisor/assessor supporting young people on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Darren has got experience in teaching, citizenship, diversity, leadership, communication, teamwork, and expedition skills.

Darren is passionate about teaching and enjoys seeing the young learners grow in confidence, knowledge, and skills in the Uniformed Protective course. He is always willing to go the extra distance to support the learners in achieving their qualifications and progressing onto Higher Education and in employment.

Georgina is a lecturer of Forensic Science, Public Services and Access to Policing at City and Islington College. She is a fully qualified Police Officer and Detective Constable, specialising in PIP2 investigation techniques. 

Georgina graduated from the University of Nottingham and following a year teaching in an international school in Switzerland, she joined Bedfordshire Police. Throughout her career with the police, Georgina worked across multiple departments including response, CID, drugs, guns and gangs and the rape and serious sexual offences unit. 

Georgina is an experienced lecturer, has a wealth of knowledge in her subject matter and teaches students aged 16-18 as well as adult learners on the Access to HE program. She is incredibly passionate about her subject and provides real-life examples from her experience on the front line. As well as lecturing, she is also a personal tutor and provides support and career advice to students.

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.