
Public Services Level 1
Start Date: 1st September 2025

- Length 1 Year
- Study Full Time
- Location West Lancashire College
More about the course
This one-year study programme is designed around practical skills, so students can demonstrate what they can do, alongside developing the knowledge and personal skills required to progress to further vocational study within Public Services and Sport. This course provides perfect starting point for those learners that wish to find out more about the progression & career opportunities within Public Services or Sport.
Entry requirements
- 4 GCSEs at Grade 2-9, including English and/or Maths
What will I achieve?
If you successfully complete this course, you will receive a Level 1 certificate in Public Services
What will I learn?
Students will learn about all the key topics within sport and active leisure, including:
- Planning and navigating a route
- Taking part in outdoor activities
- Assisting members of the public
- Contributing to the community
How will I be assessed?
- Practical demonstrations
- Observations
- Discussions
- Questions
What experience will I have?
- Industrial visits, such as the Look of Life programme
- Police Cadetship available
- National Citizenship Service (NCS)
- 24 hour search and rescue event developing navigation and lifesaving skills
- RAF Teamwork activities at Aintree Barracks
- External speakers from the Emergency Services and a variety of universities
- Liverpool Crown Court visits
- Fire and Rescue Service - career advice, use of equipment, visits to Fire and Rescue centres and Road Traffic Collison demonstrations
- Work experience with BTCV and Lancashire Trust
- The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
- National and International trips
- Tawd Valley Rangers
- Explorers
- Police Cadets
Where can I progress?
Students may wish to progress to Level 2 in Public Services, Sports or other relevant Level 2 Diploma courses are possible upon obtaining Merits or Distinctions on completion of this course.
Our students go onto University to study:
- FdSc in Policing
- BA Hons Criminology
- BA (Hons) Business Studies
- BSc Hons Sports Science Degree
- PTI Armed Forces
Course costs
If you are 16-18 years old, you do not have to pay course tuition fees*.
If you need information on any financial support that may be available to you with fees or study costs on this course, please contact Learner Services who can offer advice and assistance on accessing any financial support that may be available.
*Exam and registration fees will be paid by the college subject to satisfactory attendance and course completion.
Contact our team
Meet our Public Services students and tutors

Wendy Bennett
Assistant PrincipalWendy is the Assistant Principal for the 16-18 provision at WLC, overseeing Health, Education and Digital, Creative and Service Industries, Construction and Advanced Engineering. She has extensive experience as a leader and a college manager, working in education for over 20 years. Wendy is the college strategic lead for T Levels and curriculum development, providing passion about the development of the new Study Programmes that enhances progression to higher education or employment for young people. As a leader and manager, Wendy supports colleagues, across all departments and learners, creating opportunities that support the development of the required knowledge, skills and behaviours to become successful members of our community and our wider society by being prepared to make positive personal and professional contributions.

Jonathon Marlow
Public Services LecturerI have worked at West Lancashire College for 10 years, teaching on a variety of programmes and now, I teach Level 2 and Level 3 Public Services. I have a passion to help young people reach their potential and aim to develop their skills and qualities to move onto further education or employment. I like to encourage learners to develop their teamwork, communication and leadership skills, as well as offer further support to learners through enrichment activities, gym sessions and work experience.

Mike Cooney
Public Services LecturerI have a wealth of educational experience at West Lancashire College. I have helped hundreds of students gain experience on the course, in order to achieve their goals in the Fire, Police or Armed Forces. I have extensive Mountain Rescue and Outdoor Activity knowledge, as well as being Expedition Leader qualified. I teach across all Public Services courses, specialising in Outdoor Activities, navigation, search and rescue skills; along with law and legal system, leadership and teamwork activities and how Public Services deal with major incidents, such as terrorism, health diseases and flooding.

Ryan Smith
Public Services LecturerI’ve had the pleasure of working at West Lancashire College for over 10 years, after studying my degree in Sports Coaching and playing semi-professional sport. I thoroughly enjoy organising an array of trips and visits for the students to succeed and develop in both practical environments, as well as in the classroom. With my key links to employers in the Public Services industry, I can offer our students a variety of knowledge and introduce them to their potential future role.

Diana
Public Services Level 3 StudentWest Lancashire College has provided me with a stable foundation, as it does for all of its students, enabling them to venture into any career or field of study that they wish to pursue. I am now studying at Edge Hill University.

Rebeca
Public Services Level 3 StudentI decided to attend West Lancashire College as I had heard from a friend that it’s a good college. As I’ve always wanted to join the police force, I decided to choose Public Services, which has helped me to gain skills, knowledge and the correct behaviour into pursing my future career. The Army training and navigation walks that have been organised for the course have really helped me to understand that this is the right path for me. My next steps are attending John Moores University to study Professional Policing.
What can I do with a qualification in Public Services?
Careers for this subject will be updated soon.
Uniformed Public Services at West Lancashire College

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West Lancashire College
Thursday 1st May 2025
4:30pm - 7:00pm

Parent/Carer Information Evening
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Tuesday 24th June 2025
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