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Protective Services

STUDYING PROTECTIVE SERVICES AT WESTON COLLEGE 

If life as a paramedic, police officer or member of the armed services appeals to you, then our protective services courses will suit you perfectly. There are many exciting job opportunities in the protective services that help keep our communities safe and thriving.

You will learn from lecturers that have industry experience and can provide insight into life in protective services and prepare you in a structured and supportive environment. You will develop your employability skills, physical fitness and academic thinking, which gives you the opportunity to enter employment when you finish the course or progress on to university.

Whatever your ultimate career goal, you will need to be dedicated and highly disciplined. Your physical fitness is hugely important for certain front-line roles, whereas strong administration and organisational skills are better suited to more supportive positions.

Our staff have had fantastic careers within the protective and uniformed services. They’ll pass on their hands-on knowledge and experience to you as you train to enter the service of your choice.

We also offer outdoor adventure residential trips and visits including camping, canoeing, orienteering, abseiling and climbing.

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We've bundled the best education in the area with career boosted benefits - and are leveraging our contacts as one of the largest Colleges in the country to give you the best possible chance of success.

We are about careers not courses, so you get the opportunity to gain work experience, connection with employers and work-related projects to give you a head start in your chosen career. Guest speakers will visit us and give you real insight into a career in the sector.

Our programmes are endorsed by:

avon and somerset police logo
avon fire and rescue logo
royal airforce logo
Royal navy logo
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royal marines

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  • T-Levels
Level 1

Ignite (16-18)

2 Weeks
Jan 2026
SOUTH WEST SKILLS CAMPUS
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This two-week practical programme, delivered in partnership with Avon Fire and Rescue, supports you to develop personal, social, and employability skills through a range of activities. What will I take part in? You will take part in: Team building activities Confidence-building sessions Goal-setting tasks Communication skills development Heal...

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Level 1

Outdoor Adventure Course

1 Year
Sep 2026
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
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Step into a year of adventure, growth, and unforgettable experiences. Our 1-Year Level 1 Outdoor Adventure Course is perfect for anyone looking to build confidence, practical skills, and a connection with the natural world. Whether you’re leaving school, exploring a new direction, or simply craving something different—this course is your ...

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Level 2

Uniformed Services (Entry into), Diploma

1 Year
Sep 2026
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
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If you want a dynamic and impactful career in public services, the Entry into Public Services Diploma offers an ideal starting point. This comprehensive programme is designed to equip you with the essential skills, knowledge, and experience needed to excel in a wide range of public service roles. Course Overview By joining our Public Services...

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Level 3

Operational Firefighter, Apprenticeship

24 Months
Aug 2026
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
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Become a firefighter, and earn while you learn, with this apprenticeship which is open to anyone over the age of 18. Firefighters tackle a wide range of emergencies, where problem resolving is vital, carried out in a calm and quick manner. Emergencies can involve tackling fires, searching and rescuing people and animals, and protecting agains...

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Level 3

Protective Services, Extended Diploma

18 - 24 Months
Sep 2026
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
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If you have a passion for protecting and serving others, the Protective Services Extended Diploma offers a comprehensive and specialised programme to launch your career in the field of public safety and security. Course Overview Whether you see yourself as a security officer, prison officer, or private investigator, this diploma will provide ...

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LATEST NEWS

Firefighting apprentice

<p>In partnership with Avon Fire and Rescue (AF&amp;RS), Weston College has launched the Operational Fire Fighter apprenticeship.</p><p>The new programme launched in January, with 24 people training to become fire fighters, at Severn Park in Avonmouth.</p><p>As part of the apprenticeship, the new recruits will work on everything from fitness, fire safety and practical skills such as breathing apparatus procedures, ladder training, hose management and road traffic collision operations.</p><p>Simon Shilton, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Avon Fire and Rescue said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome 24 new recruits to AF&amp;RS to begin what I hope will be a prosperous fire service career.</p><p>“These new recruits have already undergone a rigorous selection process, and their next stage of training will see them put through their paces and prepared for life as a fire fighter.</p><p>“Modern firefighting is about so much more than fires, encompassing elements such as complex rescues, prevention work and community engagement. AF&amp;RS truly works to prevent and protect before all else, working to keep the community safe in all that we do.</p><p>“As they move through this process, I give the new recruits my best wishes and can assure them that is truly one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers.”</p><p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, added: “We are delighted to be working with Avon Fire and Rescue on this brilliant initiative, and providing opportunities to people that want to become fire fighters.</p><p>“If you think this will be a good career for you, join us at our Apprenticeship Open Evening on 10th February, at South West Skills Campus, 4pm-7pm where we can tell you about the next intake of Fire Fighting apprentices and how you can apply – <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/event/apprenticeship-open-evening-0">register here</a>.”</p><p>You can contact Weston College’s apprenticeship team on 01934 411 594, or email apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk</p>

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