The BTEC Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Public Services offers a basic introduction to the Public Services sector.
At West London College it forms part of a study programme that includes English and Maths.
The purpose of this qualification is to develop the transferable skills, attributes and behaviours needed for learners to progress to further study and ultimately to employment.
The qualification is designed to be delivered in an applied way, bringing together appropriate content with practical and technical skills. As a Level 1 qualification the pass standard requires learners to complete routine, simple and directed tasks by applying their knowledge and skills.
It is expected that learners will complete tasks fully under supervision, direction or with guidance. At merit and distinction levels, learners may be expected to complete tasks in greater detail or with greater confidence or independence.
The development of transferable and sector skills is the main focus. We intend for every learner to have the opportunity to develop key transferable skills through both core and sector units.
This will help learners to appreciate how the transferable skills they develop in their core units can be contextualised in the sector they are studying.
On completion of their course, learners will have developed a set of transferable and sector skills that will benefit them whatever their chosen progression route. The transferable skills covered in the units are summarised below:
- Communication
- Working with others
- Problem solving
- Managing information
- Self-management and development
The sector units introduce learners to some broad sector skills and to some underpinning knowledge of a vocational sector. This will help learners to prepare for progression.
You will attend college for 5 days per week and will also be studying English and Maths if you do not have a grade 4 or above.
Learners must complete two core and three sector units. The core units are:
- Being Organised
- Developing a Personal Progression Plan
The three sector units will be selected from the following:
- Finding Out about Public Services
- Taking Part in Fitness Testing
- Carrying out Security Searches
- Responding to an Incident
- Planning and Navigating a Route
- Assisting Members of the Public
- Contributing to your Community
- Taking Part in Sport and Adventurous Activities
The college also offers a range of facilities such as:
- A Learning Resource Centre
- English & Maths support
- Student Union
- Student Services
- Sports Academy
You do not require qualifications to undertake this course as you will be considered based on your aptitude and ability to complete the course following an assessment and interview.
Assessment is designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification and all units are internally assessed giving learners the opportunity to demonstrate skills developed in applied scenarios.
There is a range of assessment styles suited to skills- and sector-based qualifications at this level. All units are graded to encourage skills development and performance. These qualifications consist of two types of unit. Group A units are the core skills units, they cover content designed to reflect the skills and behaviours needed to progress to further study. Group B units are made up of sector units containing sector-specific content to enable learners to develop sector-specific skills and some knowledge to support progression to the next stage of vocational learning.
Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction, Merit, Pass and Unclassified.
You will produce a portfolio of coursework, to evidence your time on the course. You will also undertake practicals for which you will receive feedback from your tutor(s).
The Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Public Service is designed around practical skills and tasks that place an emphasis on learners demonstrating what they can do rather than what they know in theory. The qualifications give learners the opportunity to acquire and develop generic, transferable and sector-specific skills in order to complete tasks, and demonstrate a level of achievement that enables them to progress to further learning.
You can progress onto the Level 2 Award/Certificate in Public Services.
All units are internally assessed. This means that you are set assignments that provide the final assessment for each unit.
Learners are assessed using a variety of styles to help them develop a broad range of transferable skills.
The college has a gym in which you will complete any practical assessment. Whilst studying at West London College you will participate in class discussions and have the opportunity to undertake enrichment activities.
If you will be aged 16 to 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your studies and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, your course will be free.
You may be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs â please click here for more information.
