29 Nov 2021
Key Facts
Qualification purpose
Prepare for further learning or training and/or develop knowledge and/or skills in a subject area
Qualification Grading Type
Pass
Assessment Methods
Why choose this qualification?
The Skills for Public Service qualifications are intended to provide learners with a broad introduction to working in the public service sector, including both armed services and non-uniformed services, equipping learners with underpinning knowledge and skills specific to the sector alongside a range of transferable employability skills. They are designed to support progression to further learning and ultimately to work in public service or other related sectors, including apprenticeships.
They form part of a “Suite of Skills”qualifications that cover a number of sectors and are available at, Level 1 and Level 2. The employability skills units are common across the suite, enabling easy transfer of credits between qualifications and supporting opportunities for cross-faculty working.
The qualifications have been developed with the support of the FE sector. They have been designed to be consistent with the principles for study programmes for 16-19 year olds but are also relevant, particularly in the case of the smaller qualifications, for adults including the unemployed. These qualifications are also suitable for pre 16 learners.
These qualifications are designed to enable progression into further learning at the same level (eg from an award to a certificate) or to further learning at a higher level (eg from Level 1 to Level 2). The strong focus on transferable employability skills means that learners could move within or between sectors as they progress. Some learners may be able to progress directly into employment, particularly where work-based training will be offered, but it is expected that most learners will build on the skills and knowledge gained from these qualifications through further learning before entering employment. There are no prior skills, knowledge or understanding requirements for these qualifications, however, learners will benefit from having functional skills, at least at one level below that of the qualification (eg at least Entry 3 for the Level 1 qualifications).
Rules of Combination
Learners must complete one unit from the Mandatory Group (M) worth a minimum of 3 credits and at least one further unit worth a minimum of 3 credits from either Group M or Group O1 (Optional units).
Units
Learners must complete at least 3 credits from this group.
Career Planning for the Public Services
Working in Public Services
Learners may take at least 3 credits from this group.
Adventurous Activities and Teamwork for the Public Services
Basic First Aid Principles
Carrying Out a Public Services Project
Citizenship, the Individual and Society
Community and Cultural Awareness
Crime and Society
Development of Personal Fitness
Emergency Incidents in Public Services
Fitness Testing and Training
Health and Safety in the Public Service Workplace
Understanding the Law for Public Services Workers
Undertaking an Expedition
Volunteering in Public Services
What is the purpose of this qualification?
This qualification provides an introductory set of knowledge and skills, relevant to the public service sector.
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
This qualification is part of a suite which includes an Award, Certificate and Diploma. Learners should take the Award if they need only a small amount of focused learning in public services before progressing to employment (with further training where possible) or to a Level 3 qualification, as illustrated in the target learner profiles provided .
Progression & entry requirements
Learners do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this qualification. It is available to learners of any age. It is anticipated that this qualification will be of specific relevance to: • unemployed adults needing to demonstrate their interest in and commitment to a particular vocational area to potential employers, particularly where further work-based training will be on offer • young people on traineeships who are working at Level 1 and are seeking a short, focused qualification in the sector in which they wish to work/gain an apprenticeship, as part of the work preparation training element of a traineeship • learners of any age who have been disengaged with learning and need a short introduction at level 2 before progressing straight to a larger certificate or diploma at level 2.Funding information
There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.
The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website
The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).
View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search
How to find a learning aim
If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:
How to Use: Find a learning Aim
We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.
This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.
The following support materials will help you to deliver this qualification.
Related Qualifications
- Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award in Skills for Public Services
- Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Certificate In Skills for Public Services
- Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Diploma In Skills for Public Services
- Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Certificate In Skills for Public Services
- Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Diploma In Skills for Public Services