Uniformed Public Services (Fire Brigade and Policing) Level 3

On this course there are no exams, all of the units are coursework based and internally assessed by the college. You'll be assessed through either written work or practical application.

You will have the opportunity to achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade for each unit. At the end of the year you will be awarded an overall grade based on the number of each grade you have achieved.

We use the virtual learning environment Google Classroom to ensure you have complete access to all resources and assignment information to support you throughout your studies. You will receive training on this in your induction week.

One of the biggest strengths of the UPS course is the wide range of specialist staff covering each of the units. However, we also work with the fire service and police to ensure our teaching is relevant and invite guest speakers in where appropriate to cover specific areas.

“After listening to the guest speaker from the Fire Brigade I am more motivated to work hard in my studies and work towards my career goal of becoming a Fire Fighter”

Everyone will undertake a 30-hour work placement or work readiness activities as part of our employment edge promise.

Although a placement with the Fire Brigade is limited we seek to get work experience that will help you develop the skills required for the service, such as working as part of team, following instructions, communication skills and physically demanding.

Our students have enjoyed a week at Catterick Army base where these skills were developed.

We also have links with Veterans at Ease Charity, who can provide opportunities to work with communities, to build compassion for diversity.

You'll study at our Academy for Sport, where our facilities are among the best in the country and include:

• Classrooms equipped with integrated IT
• Sports science and sports therapy facilities
• Performance lab
• 3G and 4G pitches
• Indoor athletics track
• Sports hall
• Strength and conditioning gym
• Massage suite
• Aerobics suite
• Gym
• Boxing Studio

We will endeavor to prepare you in the best way we can in order to pass the tests below.

To apply for the Fire Service, you need to:

• Aged 18 years old 
• Pass a DBS
• Confidently swim 25m (desirable) 
• Run 1.5 miles continuously in 12 minutes or less/ Bleep Test Level 8.8
• Shoulder press 25kg once in overhead, upright seated position
• Behaviour Style Questionnaire
• Situational Judgement Test 
• Numerical Test 
• Verbal Reasoning Test 
• Mechanical Test 
• Role Related Tests- Ladder Climb, Ladder Lift, Casualty Evacuation, Equipment Carry, Equipment Assembly, Enclosed Space 
• Interview

This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.

Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.

For one to one advice, contact our friendly team who will assess your individual circumstances and give you the right information. You can contact them on 0191 490 2246, [email protected] or via Live Chat. Or pop along to one of our Enrolment Events.

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and preferably maths.

Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.

We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.

Our specialist teams can help with:

• Learning difficulties
• Physical and sensory disabilities
• Dyslexia, dyspraxia, neurodiversity or other specific learning difficulties
• Mental health and well being
• Exam access arrangements
• Money, finance and bursary advice
• Careers advice, job and university applications

See here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, call us on 0191 490 4627.