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Protective Services

STUDYING PROTECTIVE SERVICES AT WESTON COLLEGE 

If life as a paramedic, police officer or member of the armed services appeals to you, then our protective services courses will suit you perfectly. There are many exciting job opportunities in the protective services that help keep our communities safe and thriving.

You will learn from lecturers that have industry experience and can provide insight into life in protective services and prepare you in a structured and supportive environment. You will develop your employability skills, physical fitness and academic thinking, which gives you the opportunity to enter employment when you finish the course or progress on to university.

Whatever your ultimate career goal, you will need to be dedicated and highly disciplined. Your physical fitness is hugely important for certain front-line roles, whereas strong administration and organisational skills are better suited to more supportive positions.

Our staff have had fantastic careers within the protective and uniformed services. They’ll pass on their hands-on knowledge and experience to you as you train to enter the service of your choice.

We also offer outdoor adventure residential trips and visits including camping, canoeing, orienteering, abseiling and climbing.

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We've bundled the best education in the area with career boosted benefits - and are leveraging our contacts as one of the largest Colleges in the country to give you the best possible chance of success.

We are about careers not courses, so you get the opportunity to gain work experience, connection with employers and work-related projects to give you a head start in your chosen career. Guest speakers will visit us and give you real insight into a career in the sector.

Our programmes are endorsed by:

avon and somerset police logo
avon fire and rescue logo
royal airforce logo
Royal navy logo
british army logo
royal marines

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Level 2

Uniformed Services (Entry Into), NCFE Diploma

1 Year
Sep 2025
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
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If you want a dynamic and impactful career in public services, the Entry into Public Services Diploma offers an ideal starting point. This comprehensive programme is designed to equip you with the essential skills, knowledge, and experience needed to excel in a wide range of public service roles. Whether you see yourself as a police officer, f...

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Level 3

Operational Firefighter, Apprenticeship

24 Months
Aug 2025
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
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Become a firefighter, and earn while you learn, with this apprenticeship which is open to anyone over the age of 18. Firefighters tackle a wide range of emergencies, where problem resolving is vital, carried out in a calm and quick manner. Emergencies can involve tackling fires, searching and rescuing people and animals, and protecting agains...

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Level 3

Protective Services, Extended Diploma

18 - 24 Months
Sep 2025
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
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If you have a passion for protecting and serving others, the Protective Services Extended Diploma offers a comprehensive and specialised programme to launch your career in the field of public safety and security. Whether you see yourself as a security officer, prison officer, or private investigator, this diploma will provide you with the nece...

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You can progress onto degrees and higher apprenticeships with UCW...
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WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

Kacper at Awards
Kacper
Work experience with the Army was beneficial as it allowed me to enhance my knowledge and improve skills that would be required for my chosen career path, whilst also gaining an understanding of potential options I could have in life
Studied:

Uniformed Protective Services, Level 3 Extended Diploma

Fibi
Fibi
It was so beneficial to be surrounded with those that had experience and knowledge of roles within the public services, which is evident in their style of teaching.
Studied:

Unformed Public Services, Level 3 Extended Diploma

LATEST NEWS

Police Officer arrests man on the road outside of his car

<p>Becoming a Police Officer can be a highly rewarding career choice if you’re interested in serving the community and upholding the law. It is a demanding and challenging job that requires dedication, skill, and a deep sense of commitment.</p><p>In this article, we will discuss why you would want to join the Police Force and how we can help you achieve it!</p><p>There are many reasons why someone may choose to become a Police Officer. For some, it is a lifelong dream that they have had since childhood. Others may be drawn to the job because of a desire to make a positive impact in their community or to help those in need. Whatever the reason, becoming a Police Officer is a noble profession that requires a high level of integrity, compassion, and bravery.&nbsp;<p.police a="" critical="" in="" officers="" play="" role="" society="">They also work closely with the community, building relationships with residents and businesses to help prevent crime and maintain a safe environment.</p.police></p><p>There are lots of job opportunities in the UK, with 45 different geographical forces.</p><p>You might now be wondering how to become a Police Officer, and how can Weston College help… we offer several courses, which can act as the starting point of your journey, or your next steps.</p><p>Our courses are part of our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs?utm_source=main-menu&am… Excellence Hubs</a>, which gives you unrivalled access to employers, whether that be for industry insight talks, work experience or trips.</p><p>Here are some of the courses we would recommend:</p><p><strong>Public Services Courses</strong></p><p>We offer several Public Services courses, across different levels, which will build your skills and knowledge, ready for a career in the Police Force.</p><p>Each course is slightly different, but they are all taught by people with industry experience and include regular talks from local Police Officers. <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/publi… courses are a great way to start your journey into the Police Force, click here to see our Public Services courses.</a></p><p><strong>A Levels</strong></p><p>A Levels are another route that you can take to join the Police Force, as once completed you can progress onto a degree. Courses such as Criminology, Law and Sociology are recommended, as they will give you a understanding of what the law is and also give you insight into the thoughts and behaviour of society.</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… here to see our A Level offer.</a></p><p><strong>Degrees</strong></p><p>University Centre Weston (UCW) offers a Level 6 in Uniformed and Public Services, which will give you specialised knowledge and skills in areas including organisational leadership, causes of crime and social conflict, partnership working and emergency planning, and prepare to progress to a range of roles within the uniformed and public services.</p><p><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/uniformed-and-public-services-ba-hons/">C… here to find out more about the course</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If you'd like to find out more about a career in the Police, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events?utm_source=main-menu&am… along to one of our open evenings</a> and chat to the team, they will be more than happy to help!</p>

Firefighting apprentice

<p>In partnership with Avon Fire and Rescue (AF&amp;RS), Weston College has launched the Operational Fire Fighter apprenticeship.</p><p>The new programme launched in January, with 24 people training to become fire fighters, at Severn Park in Avonmouth.</p><p>As part of the apprenticeship, the new recruits will work on everything from fitness, fire safety and practical skills such as breathing apparatus procedures, ladder training, hose management and road traffic collision operations.</p><p>Simon Shilton, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Avon Fire and Rescue said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome 24 new recruits to AF&amp;RS to begin what I hope will be a prosperous fire service career.</p><p>“These new recruits have already undergone a rigorous selection process, and their next stage of training will see them put through their paces and prepared for life as a fire fighter.</p><p>“Modern firefighting is about so much more than fires, encompassing elements such as complex rescues, prevention work and community engagement. AF&amp;RS truly works to prevent and protect before all else, working to keep the community safe in all that we do.</p><p>“As they move through this process, I give the new recruits my best wishes and can assure them that is truly one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers.”</p><p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, added: “We are delighted to be working with Avon Fire and Rescue on this brilliant initiative, and providing opportunities to people that want to become fire fighters.</p><p>“If you think this will be a good career for you, join us at our Apprenticeship Open Evening on 10th February, at South West Skills Campus, 4pm-7pm where we can tell you about the next intake of Fire Fighting apprentices and how you can apply – <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/event/apprenticeship-open-evening-0">register here</a>.”</p><p>You can contact Weston College’s apprenticeship team on 01934 411 594, or email apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk</p>

"Public services learners climbing walking brecon beacon hills mountains training fitness to join army"

<p>The adventure never stops for <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/publi… Public Services</a>!</p>

<p>10 Level 3 students demonstrated resilience and impressive physical capabilities by successfully navigating an arduous 18 mile route through the Brecon Beacon Mountains followed by an overnight camp! ?⛺️</p>

<p>Trips such as this help to immerse our learners in the environment and grow their understanding of the local landscape and the impact they can have. Whilst camping and walking, leaners ensured that no litter or evidence of people was left behind. As well as reducing our carbon footprint, Weston College is committed to creating brighter and greener future for our community.</p>

<p>Trekking through challenging conditions, the team finished at 9pm in the dark with students tired but elated with their achievement!</p>

<p>Our Public Services Career Excellence Hub supports learners in developing key skills, that employers are looking for, such as discipline, communication and team work.</p>

<p>? Faculty Dean Helen George commended the group on their achievement recognising it as "monumental" - A HUGE well done everyone!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/publi… here to discover our full time courses and apprenticeships in Uniformed Public Services</strong></a></p>

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