Weston College’s public services students demonstrated their fitness to their parents by completing a series of challenges designed to demonstrate skills they’ve learned on their course.

Public services is a subject which prepares people for a career in the army, security services, or the emergency services. Many people who study this course go on to apply for the armed forces, and a lot of them are successful – but how do they do it? Read on to find out more.

Could you be a soldier?

Soldiers need plenty of self-discipline, loyalty and confidence, as well as physical fitness. Good teamwork skills and effective communication are crucial, as are quick reactions and the ability to use your own initiative.

Check the entry criteria

You’ll need to be between 16 and 33 to join the army as a soldier, but if you’re under 18 you’ll need your parents’ permission.

The army has nationality and residency requirements, which mean you must be a British citizen or subject, a British Protected Person or Commonwealth citizen who has lived in the UK for at least five years.

If you’re shortlisted you will be expected to present a GP’s medical report and pass the army medical examination, so a high level of personal fitness is required.

Get the relevant training

In general, you don’t need any qualifications to join the army as a soldier, but you do need be physically fit and proficient in communication, teamwork and English and maths. Our public services courses will train you in these areas and put you ahead of the competition.

If you want to join the army in a certain field, such as engineering or communications, you may need some technical skills.

Apply

You can apply to join the armed forces online. If your application is accepted you’ll have to pass a medical examination and physical fitness tests, and numeracy and literacy tests.

You’ll then sit a British Army Recruit Battery test which will match your abilities to jobs that suit them, and a technical selection test for the field you want to serve in. There are also team activities and a formal interview.

Further development…

Once you’ve applied and been accepted, you’ll go on to the Phase One of the army training programme, which lasts 14 weeks, six months or 12 months depending on your age. Once you’ve completed the Phase One course, you’ll go on to do the Phase Two course, called the Combat Infantryman’s Course, which lasts 28 weeks.

Joining the army is only the beginning. There are plenty of qualifications and courses you can take once you’ve enlisted - some soldiers complete degrees while they serve!