Public Services
Careers in the public services include joining the Prison Service or the Coastguard, Police Force or Fire Service. Or perhaps you are interested in joining the Armed Services? If you are interested in any of these career paths, our Public Services programme could help you to achieve your goal.
We believe public service is a way of life and we hope that by the end of your course, you’ll have adopted the same outlook. With three levels of academic entry, our courses in Public Services cater for students at all levels of achievement.
As your course is preparing you for a career in what are classed the ‘disciplined services’, you’ll find there are more rules than on other college courses. This is to provide you with a stepping-stone between the culture of a school or civilian job to that of the Emergency Services and Armed Forces.
You’ll find we have strict guidelines relating to dress code, personal appearance and behaviour in order that you project a professional image, and we would ask that you dress and conduct yourself in an appropriate manner at all times.
Our specialist resources include:
• Links/relationships with organisations such as Northamptonshire Police and Fire and Rescue, Royal Navy and Royal Marine Commandos and the Army
• Practical activities to reinforce classroom learning
• Teaching staff with a variety of experience in the Public Services.
Enrichment programme
As well as the main academic programme, you'll also be expected to take part in the College Enrichment Programme, which offers a wide range of activities such as sign language, sports, drumming, driving test theory and many more.
For more information please see our Enrichment area.
Success stories
Daniel Tappenden
Daniel completed a two-year diploma in Public Services and believes the course helped him choose his future career.
“I had an inkling I wanted to work in the Police Force, even as a child, but it wasn’t until I took the BTEC that I really made my decision. Doing Public Services meant I was able to experience a taste of life in the Army, Police Force and Fire Brigade.
“The course mixed theory with practical so we could be in the classroom one week and out in the field orienteering, camping or trekking the next. I enjoyed the Army and Fire Brigade work, but it was the Police elements that really interested and gripped me.
“I made really good friends at college, partly down to the host of outdoor activities which really boosted team morale and enabled us to get to know each other quickly.
“After leaving Northampton College I went on to The University of Northampton to do the Police and Criminal Justice course, which I’m now part-way through. I’ve already become a Special Constable, which means I am getting hands-on experience of life in the Police Force… and I love it. I remember watching police shows on TV as a child and I knew I wanted to be out there, helping catch the criminals. Now I am.”
Personal tutor
During your time at College, you'll be assigned a personal tutor, who will be responsible for monitoring your academic progress. You'll attend a tutorial meeting every week and part of this time will be allocated to group activities, such as recognising your best learning style, study skills, revision skills, careers education, financial matters and much more. The other part will be dedicated to an individual progress review, enabling your tutor to make sure you're on track to get the best grades possible.
