Your courses

Click Apply now above and continue to stage 2 where you can review and choose courses 2 to apply for.

16-18 College

Uniformed Public Services

Our Uniformed Public Services courses offer exciting opportunities for students who are passionate about serving their community and pursuing careers in the emergency services, armed forces or wider public sector. Designed to develop resilience, leadership, teamwork and communication skills, these programmes provide a practical and engaging introduction to the challenges and rewards of life in the uniformed services.

Throughout the course, students will take part in a range of enriching experiences, including industry visits, Police Cadet opportunities, National Citizen Service activities and demanding team-building events such as a 24-hour search and rescue exercise. These experiences help build confidence, problem-solving abilities and the professional skills valued by employers and universities alike.

Our former students have progressed onto a wide variety of higher education courses and career pathways, including degrees in Policing, Criminology, Business Studies and Sports Science, as well as careers within the Armed Forces and other uniformed services. Whether your ambition is to protect, serve or lead, our Uniformed Public Services courses will provide the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to take the next step towards your future career.

Next Event

October Open Event

West Lancashire College Monday 12th October 2026 4:30pm - 7:00pm Find out more

Uniformed Public Services Level 1

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.

Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

View Course

Uniformed Public Services Level 2

The Uniformed Public Services Level 2 course is a dynamic course for students who want a career in public services, the legal profession, outdoor activities or fitness training.

Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

View Course

Uniformed Public Services Level 3

The Level 3 course is a 2-year programme and if successful, it can lead to progression onto a relevant degree at a Higher Education institute, entrance into public services as potential Officers in public services organisations, enter university on a range of courses, apprenticeships or related programmes.

Length: 2 Years
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

View Course

100%*

pass rate for Entry to the Uniformed Services Introductory Certificate Level 1

*data from Proachieve September 2024

100%*

pass rate for Entry to the Uniformed Services Diploma Level 2

*data from Proachieve September 2024

100%*

pass rate for Entry to the Uniformed Services Extended Diploma Level 3

*data from Proachieve September 2024

Neil Farrell

Head of Curriculum for Creative Service Industries

Having studied Sport and Exercise Science at both college and university, I began my career in the sport and active leisure sector before moving into education. During my time at West Lancashire College, I have managed a diverse range of curriculum areas and learning provision. My experience has included 16 to 18 provision, adult education, apprenticeships, Higher Education, community learning programmes, and provision for young people and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This broad experience has given me a deep understanding of the varied educational pathways available and the importance of creating opportunities for all learners to succeed. I firmly believe that education has the power to transform lives and that everyone should have access to high-quality learning opportunities. I am passionate about supporting learners to achieve their goals, realise their potential, and progress towards successful futures, regardless of their starting point.

Ryan Smith

Uniformed Public Services Lecturer

I have had the pleasure of working at West Lancashire College for over 10 years, following the completion of my degree in Sports Coaching and a career playing semi-professional sport. I am passionate about supporting students to achieve their goals and thoroughly enjoy organising a wide range of trips, visits, and enrichment activities that help them develop both in practical environments and in the classroom. Through my strong links with employers in the Public Services sector, I am able to provide students with valuable industry insight, broaden their understanding of career opportunities, and introduce them to potential future career paths. I take great pride in helping learners develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in their chosen profession.

Jonathan Marlow, Public Services Lecturer

Jonathon Marlow

Uniformed Public Services Lecturer

I have worked at West Lancashire College for over 10 years, teaching across a variety of programmes and currently delivering Level 2 and Level 3 Public Services courses. I am passionate about helping young people reach their full potential and supporting them in developing the skills, knowledge, and personal qualities needed to progress into further education, apprenticeships, or employment. I encourage learners to develop their teamwork, communication, and leadership skills through both classroom-based learning and practical experiences. I also provide additional support through enrichment activities, gym sessions, and work experience opportunities, helping students build confidence and prepare for successful futures within the Public Services sector and beyond.

Rebeca

Uniformed Public Services Alumni Student

I decided to attend West Lancashire College after hearing positive feedback from a friend. Having always wanted to join the police force, I chose to study Public Services, which helped me develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to pursue my future career. The Army training and navigation exercises organised as part of the course reinforced my decision and confirmed that this was the right path for me. My next step was to progress to Liverpool John Moores University to study Professional Policing and continue working towards my career ambitions.

Diana

Uniformed Public Services Alumni Student

West Lancashire College provided me with a strong foundation for my future, giving me the knowledge, skills, and confidence to progress to the next stage of my education. The support and opportunities available helped me develop both personally and academically. I am now studying at Edge Hill University and building on the foundations I gained during my time at the College.

Joseph

Alumni Uniformed Public Services Alumni Student

I chose the Uniformed Public Services course because my goal was to become an RAF Officer. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and working alongside the tutors, who were supportive throughout my studies. College life was a positive experience, offering a different style of timetable compared to school and greater independence, which I particularly appreciated. Being able to leave campus at lunchtime and having access to free college transport made travelling to and from College straightforward and convenient. I would highly recommend this course to anyone considering a career in the public services. The tutors were knowledgeable, approachable, and supportive, and the course was both enjoyable and rewarding.

Harry

Uniformed Public Services Alumni Student

I chose this course because I knew it would provide a pathway towards an apprenticeship with the Border Force. One of the highlights of the course was the international trip to Belfast, which supported our learning for the Irish Troubles assignment and provided a fascinating insight into the region's history and culture. Another memorable experience was the navigation exercise at Pendle Hill, where we put our map-reading and compass skills into practice in a real outdoor environment. I also thoroughly enjoyed the orienteering exercise at Beacon Fell, which gave us the independence to navigate in teams and apply the skills and knowledge we had developed in the classroom. These experiences helped me build my confidence, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills, while providing valuable practical experience relevant to a future career in the public services.

Alfie

Uniformed Public Services Alumni Student

I decided to study the Uniformed Public Services course because I have always dreamed of working in the fire service. I enjoy all the units on the course, as they are closely aligned with my career aspirations, and I particularly enjoy the practical elements, which allow me to apply my learning in realistic situations. The College provides an excellent learning environment that has helped me develop my skills, knowledge, and confidence. The free college transport is also a great benefit, making travel to and from College convenient, accessible, and stress-free.

Kai

Uniformed Public Services Alumni Student

I chose this course because it prepares you for any service you may want to go into. It’s really interesting and includes lots of practical and fitness-based activities. The course is coursework-based rather than exam-based, which I find much easier than A Levels, while still gaining the same qualification. The thing I have enjoyed most so far is the Army residential trip, a three-day experience where we took part in training and everyday Army exercises. I also really enjoyed the Pendle Hill navigation, which involved hiking all day up the mountainside. For work experience, I have taught several sports sessions at West Lancashire Community High School and helped out at open evenings on multiple occasions. Later this year, I will be completing further work experience with the Army, where I will undertake five hours of hands-on experience.

Ryan

Uniformed Public Services Alumni Student

I studied Uniformed Public Services Level 3 as I saw it as a good stepping stone towards university. During the course, I particularly enjoyed the sports aspect, which helped me develop my fitness, teamwork and leadership skills. Following completion of the course, I progressed to BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science at Edge Hill University, taking the next step towards achieving my academic and career goals.