Which programme is right for me?

Picking the right programme is the first step in your uniformed public services career! Whether you choose a full-time study programme and pick your own specialism, or head straight into an Apprenticeship, we're sure to have something that suits you and your learning style.  

What kind of work will I do on a Uniformed Public Services Study programme?

It is important that you have a positive outlook and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone by trying different activities. You should come with a reasonable level of fitness and stamina, have commitment to the course, and be able to deal with discipline.

All of ourprogrammes include a mix of practical assessments and classroom work, and you can expect your course to include:

• training days and residential courses
• guest speakers
• regular walks in the local area to practice navigation skills

There is also an expectation for you to take part in different work experience opportunities, which may include working with community and voluntary organisations, major incident simulations with the fire service and work supporting police training.

Trips, Visits and Competitions

We’ve got links with fantastic local employers meaning you’ll get every opportunity possible to engage with professionals during your time with us. This could include seminars hosted by guest lecturers who work in the industry, work placements with the biggest names in public services or trips to some of the leading public services establishments in the local area. These are the experiences that will make you stand out to future employers and universities, and we’re on hand to give them to you.

Depending on your choice of campus, course enrichment activities include visits to places such as a Territorial Army base, a Magistrates Court, or climbing walls. Residential visits also offer you the chance to visit army bases and outdoor adventure activity centres where you will take part in activities such as abseiling, tae-kwondo sessions, and gorge walking.

Work-related Activity and Industry Placements

As a student at The Sheffield College, you will be encouraged to spend time with an employer in a real-life working environment as part of your study programme. This could be experience of work or an industry placement, depending on what kind of course you are studying.

What's in it for me?

• Improve your job prospects and gain knowledge of the work place in a variety of areas
• Enhance your employability skills such as communication skills, problem-solving, social skills, time-management, commitment, enthusiasm, flexibility and team work
• Previous experience of work can help you during interviews and it looks impressive on your CV
• Helps you understand what motivates you and what you are passionate about so that you can apply this to your future career

Facilities

You will benefit from learning in dedicated classrooms as well of taking advantage of additional learning environments, such as our sports facilities at Hillsborough Campus and Owlerton Sports Stadium.

At our Hillsborough campus you'll also have access to:

• Microsoft Office packages so that you can complete written and computer-based coursework
• Computer suites
• Laptops and Chromebooks available to hire out through the library so you can work remotely if you need to
• Virtual learning platforms such as Google Classroom and Moodle so you can access your classwork wherever you are
• Social spaces where you can complete your group projects, or relax in between lessons
• A gym, which is available for use for all, not just those studying sport

What can I do once I finish my studies?

We have strong working links with local emergency services and public sector employers to offer day visits and talks from guest lecturers who work in the public services industries such as paramedics, police officers, so that you can contextualise your learning and get a real taste of what these careers involve. You'll also be able to form some great connections at the same time, which may lead to you obtaining a work experience placement or opportunities to take part in further CV-boosting events.

The other good news is that jobs in the protective services industry are set to increase by 1.6% in the Sheffield City Region over the next 3 years, so your opportunities for employment once you finish your study programme with us are on the up!

Take a look at the protective services career map below to see where your studies could take you!

UNIVERSITY LEVEL COURSES

Looking to continue your public services qualification up to degree level? Our career-focused courses are just what you're looking for! Click on the link below to find out more:

Careers advice to help you go further

Choosing a career path when you've only just left school can seem like a daunting prospect, but our Careers Advice Team are on hand to offer you the best impartial careers guidance going. 

They can help you to figure out the kind of jobs that you might enjoy based on your interests, skills and hobbies; or if you already have a pretty good idea of what you'd like to do in the future they can give you some pointers on how to go further and land your dream job.

You can talk to them whether you're still deciding on a course or even if you're about to make the jump from education into full-time work.