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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:

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avon fire and rescue logo
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royal marines

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Level 2

Uniformed Services (Entry Into), NCFE Diploma

1 Year
Sep 2025
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. Whether you see yourself as a police officer, f...

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Level 3

Operational Firefighter, Apprenticeship

24 Months
Aug 2025
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 2025
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. Whether you see yourself as a security officer, prison officer, or private investigator, this diploma will provide you with the nece...

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You can progress onto degrees and higher apprenticeships with UCW...
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WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

female student in weston college gym
Lily
The facilities at Weston College, including the library, computer rooms, outdoor sports pitch, and indoor sports hall, were fantastic and relevant to my career goals. Attending Careers Fest and various protective service talks opened my eyes to different career paths.
Studied:

Uniformed Protective Services

Kacper at Awards
Kacper
Work experience with the Army was beneficial as it allowed me to enhance my knowledge and improve skills that would be required for my chosen career path, whilst also gaining an understanding of potential options I could have in life
Studied:

Uniformed Protective Services, Level 3 Extended Diploma

LATEST NEWS

protective services students with former weston college students, now emergency care assistants, in front of ambulance

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Weston College is proud to welcome back two of its former Protective Services students, Dionne and Cameron, who have recently embarked on exciting careers as Emergency Care Assistants (ECAs) within the ambulance service. The pair will be returning to the college to inspire the latest cohort of students, sharing their experiences and insights into the dynamic and life-saving world of emergency care.&nbsp;</p><p>Dionne and Cameron, who both studied our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services program</u></a>, have seamlessly transitioned into the ambulance service after completing their training. As Emergency Care Assistants, they play a crucial role in providing urgent medical support and assisting paramedics in emergency situations—a career path that showcases the diverse opportunities available through our protective services provision.&nbsp;</p><p>Their visit marks a special opportunity for current students to gain real-world perspectives on careers within the healthcare sector, and particularly within emergency medical services. As Dionne and Cameron recounted their journeys from the classroom to the frontline, they offered invaluable advice, inspiration, and practical tips to those considering a career in public service.&nbsp;</p><p>“Dionne and Cameron came into college to introduce this year’s cohort to the interesting and invigorating world of the ambulance service”, said David Beresford, Head of Protective Services “demonstrating yet another rewarding career path stemming from our Protective Services provision.”&nbsp;</p><p>We are proud to offer a curriculum that equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue meaningful and impactful careers across multiple sectors. Protective Services students, in particular, benefit from an education that fosters resilience, problem-solving, and teamwork—qualities essential in high-pressure careers such as the ambulance service.&nbsp;</p><p>Dionne and Cameron’s return not only highlights the varied career paths available through our courses but also underscores our commitment to developing future professionals who make a real difference in their communities.&nbsp;</p><p>This guest visit forms part of the Protective Services Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands. &nbsp;</p><p>Interested in our Protective Services courses? <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… here.</u></a>&nbsp;</p>

protective services learners in forest

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Weston College’s Year 1 Protective Services students enjoyed an exhilarating day of outdoor adventure at the stunning Wimbleball Lake, where they took part in an action-packed program designed to challenge both their physical and mental abilities.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Protective services learners at wimbleball lake&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="71894e44-3138-4ce9-8f8e-111ed555cd8f" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>Set against the picturesque backdrop of the lake, students had the opportunity to participate in a range of activities that pushed them to test their skills and build camaraderie with their peers. The day included thrilling canoeing sessions, high ropes challenges, and hands-on navigation training. These activities, specifically designed to enhance their team building, problem-solving, and resilience skills, are crucial for their development in protective services training.&nbsp;</p><p>After a day of adventure and learning, the group gathered for a much-needed barbecue to refuel, relax, and celebrate their achievements.&nbsp;</p><p>"We’re incredibly proud of our Year 1 students for embracing the challenges and showing great determination throughout the day," said David, Head of Public Services. "This experience is not only about building essential skills for their future careers in protective services but also about creating unforgettable memories and strong bonds within the group."&nbsp;</p><p>Interested in protective services? Find out more information and apply for our courses<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote…; here.</a></p>

Police Officer arrests man on the road outside of his car

<p>Becoming a Police Officer can be a highly rewarding career choice if you’re interested in serving the community and upholding the law. It is a demanding and challenging job that requires dedication, skill, and a deep sense of commitment.</p><p>In this article, we will discuss why you would want to join the Police Force and how we can help you achieve it!</p><p>There are many reasons why someone may choose to become a Police Officer. For some, it is a lifelong dream that they have had since childhood. Others may be drawn to the job because of a desire to make a positive impact in their community or to help those in need. Whatever the reason, becoming a Police Officer is a noble profession that requires a high level of integrity, compassion, and bravery.&nbsp;<p.police a="" critical="" in="" officers="" play="" role="" society="">They also work closely with the community, building relationships with residents and businesses to help prevent crime and maintain a safe environment.</p.police></p><p>There are lots of job opportunities in the UK, with 45 different geographical forces.</p><p>You might now be wondering how to become a Police Officer, and how can Weston College help… we offer several courses, which can act as the starting point of your journey, or your next steps.</p><p>Our courses are part of our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs?utm_source=main-menu&am… Excellence Hubs</a>, which gives you unrivalled access to employers, whether that be for industry insight talks, work experience or trips.</p><p>Here are some of the courses we would recommend:</p><p><strong>Public Services Courses</strong></p><p>We offer several Public Services courses, across different levels, which will build your skills and knowledge, ready for a career in the Police Force.</p><p>Each course is slightly different, but they are all taught by people with industry experience and include regular talks from local Police Officers. <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/publi… courses are a great way to start your journey into the Police Force, click here to see our Public Services courses.</a></p><p><strong>A Levels</strong></p><p>A Levels are another route that you can take to join the Police Force, as once completed you can progress onto a degree. Courses such as Criminology, Law and Sociology are recommended, as they will give you a understanding of what the law is and also give you insight into the thoughts and behaviour of society.</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… here to see our A Level offer.</a></p><p><strong>Degrees</strong></p><p>University Centre Weston (UCW) offers a Level 6 in Uniformed and Public Services, which will give you specialised knowledge and skills in areas including organisational leadership, causes of crime and social conflict, partnership working and emergency planning, and prepare to progress to a range of roles within the uniformed and public services.</p><p><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/uniformed-and-public-services-ba-hons/">C… here to find out more about the course</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If you'd like to find out more about a career in the Police, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events?utm_source=main-menu&am… along to one of our open evenings</a> and chat to the team, they will be more than happy to help!</p>

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