Are you looking for an exciting, fast paced career, where no two days are ever the same and you head home knowing you’ve made a real difference to people’s lives? A career in public services could be just what you’re looking for.
From police officers and soldiers to fire fighters and forensic investigators, if you want to make your mark on the world, give yourself a head start by beginning your journey at The Manchester College – the No.1 College in Greater Manchester for achievement* – then look no further.
Our Centre of Excellence is designed to prepare you for your future career and give you a greater insight into the careers open to you, equipping you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to enter the workplace.
To do this you’ll take part in boot camps with the army and cadets, simulations and careers talks with Greater Manchester Fire Service, talks and activities with the police, border force and other employers in the industry and hear first-hand accounts of what it’s like working on the front line.
Plus, you’ll spend at least 35 hours gaining vital work experience in the industry or in a role that will help you develop key skills required in the public service and criminology sectors.
Our range of courses everything you need to start a successful career in the police, fire service, armed services and other public sectors. Whether you’re getting ready to pass the recruitment and selection process, or you’re just starting on your journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Not only are they experts in their field, our tutors are also skilled at sharing their expertise and knowledge with their students. They have years of experience in teaching, researching and working in public services or criminology. Why would you settle for anything less?
Get to know some of our tutors:
Hayley Francis - Head of Department
Hayley is the Head of Public Services and Criminology. She’s been with The Manchester College for seven years, specialising in Sport, Exercise Science and Health.
Hayley has helped to grow Public Services into the successful department it is today , by leading her experienced team to excellence in teaching, and supporting learners to achieve their ambitions. Thanks to the brand new state-of-the-art facilities, Hayley is confident that the department will continue to prosper and make a name for itself as one of the best of its kind in the UK.
Trevor Fenwick - Tutor and Course Leader
Trevor has been teaching in the department for seven years and is now the course leader for Level 3 Public Services at Nicholls campus.
He spent many years with the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services as a cadet instructor, and now helps students from The Manchester College to start their own careers with the military, police, fire services and ambulance service. He specializes in fitness, discipline, equality and diversity, and security.
Trevor has a Sports Coaching degree and extensive coaching experience in a variety of sports. He also has considerable experience in public facing roles, as he spent 20 years working in retail management.
Holly Williamson - Tutor
Holly is a tutor on our Level 3 Criminology and Forensic Investigation course. She enjoys combining her academic experience in criminology with her experience in the creative arts industry, to create a diverse and creative environment in her classes.
A member of the British Society of Criminology, Holly has a particular interest in the sociological aspects of criminology, which is a major focus of her teaching. She also specialised in both substance abuse and gender studies at postgraduate level, so enjoys sharing her knowledge in these areas.
You’ll be advancing towards your new career in our Openshaw campus, which has recently benefitted from a £25m investment to upgrade its facilities.
You have to be fit to succeed in most public service roles, so you’ll have access to extensive sports and leisure facilities including state-of-the-art, fully equipped gyms, where you can push yourself on resistance and cardiovascular machines. Plus, you’ll be able to see how much you’re improving using our wide range of high-tech testing equipment.
In many public service roles, you’ll spend a lot of time outside, so we’ve designed outdoor practical areas to help you master military style fitness tests, drills and routines.
Continue Your Studies Here | 100+ higher education courses across our Manchester campuses starting in September 2020
Top Careers Opportunities
Prison service officer
Average salary: £38k
Fire Service Officer
Average salary: £39k
Probation officer
Average salary: £40k
Police officer
Average salary: £38k
I’ve never regretted committing to higher education later on in life and it’s fair to say I’ve not finished yet! I chose The Manchester College because of the course. I knew straight away from the study content that it was the right course for me and it would support my long-term career goals.
In one of The Manchester College’s 19 Centres of Excellence you’ll develop the skills and gain the qualifications that you need to take the next steps towards your dream career.
