Uniformed Public Services students from ESC Lewes had the opportunity to see firsthand the great work of the City of London Police team and they also visited various sites of interest in London relevant to their course.

Uniformed Public Services (UPS) students at East Sussex College had the opportunity to explore career pathways within HM Border Force during an eye-opening visit to London Gatwick Airport.

Public Uniformed Service students from East Sussex College Eastbourne visited the Poland concentration camp to mark Holocaust Memorial Day

I think Uniformed Public Services is an incredible course. It will teach you many different skills and qualities which can be fundamental in work and life. With a difficult current employment climate, those skills could be the difference between you and someone else getting a job. So, if you are unsure about what you want to do, my advice would be to study UPS so you can work out where you want to go in life!”

Vocational students studying Uniformed Public Services, Morgan Lewes-Clements and Leonie Rogers, received exceptional results and are looking ahead to careers in the public services industry. Morgan, who received D*D*D in Uniformed Public Services, said, “I’m very very happy with my grades. Honestly, support from our tutors was great. The support from my tutor was unreal, he couldn’t have done more, he helped us through everything! I’m looking to join the border force next September.”

A Level 3 Uniformed Public Services student in Lewes had reason to celebrate during half-term as he was accepted onto a scholarship scheme at the University of Portsmouth.

Robert Shoesmith, Public & Uniformed Services lecturer at East Sussex College Eastbourne, said, “It is invaluable for students approaching the end of their course to get a first hand glimpse into the careers that they are interested in.

Students from the Uniformed Public Services (UPS) course at East Sussex College’s Eastbourne campus recently took part in an unforgettable five-day work experience with the British Army.

Zoe Carroll, Sport & Public Uniformed Services tutor at East Sussex College Eastbourne, completes a trek across the Sahara to support veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Carey Bridge, Sport and Uniformed Services lecturer in Lewes, said, “ICE gave an excellent presentation about job roles and how to join etc, then split the students into groups so they could all have a chance to handcuff each other and learn how to use a baton! Students then went outside to go through all the gear that is used if ICE needs to enter the premises. They were excellent and we will be having them again.

Vocational student Abbey Cuttell studied Uniformed Public Services and achieved a fantastic Double Distinction* and Distinction: “I’m very excited about my result. I’m not exactly sure what I’ll be doing next, but I hope to do something medical - maybe a medic or dermatologist. The last few years have been amazing and my tutor has been absolutely brilliant, and I’ve made some awesome friends.”

Lyndsey Armstrong, lecturer in Sport & Public Uniformed Services at ESC, comments, “The College students have done a fantastic job in planning the activities for the children to take part in today. They have been responsible for everything from the promotion leaflets to the invites to the schools.”

East Sussex College Lewes Level 3 Uniformed Public Services (UPS) Year 1 student, Coby Scott, won East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) Cadet of the Year and was invited to attend a Downing Street Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea at the start of June!

I'm Toby Farrage, and I’m studying Level 3 Uniformed Public Services at East Sussex College Lewes.

In Eastbourne, this was followed by a presentation from ex-military staff. In Lewes, Uniformed Public Services students service was streamed to students and staff from the courtyard.

At College I want my students to have realistic expectations about a career in the Public Uniformed Services. We want our students to be informed of the impact a career in the services can have on them. They are rewarding jobs but they do come at a cost and aren’t for everyone. Help for Heroes and Combat Stress makes us aware that it’s ok not to be ok and to be brave and ask for help.

“Sponsorship will enable us to secure kit and go towards travel costs for our teams,” says Laurence Collier, Head of Curriculum, Sport & Public Uniformed Services, at East Sussex College. “Our teams travel and compete with colleges across the region. Having a company support to our teams is a great way to get the business name out to a wider audience. Eastbourne has a wonderful community feel and a link with local or local businesses and our sports teams also promotes the importance of education and physical activity."

The East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) visited East Sussex College Eastbourne recently as part of their ‘Restart A Heart’ campaign to deliver CPR training to Uniformed Protective Services (UPS) students with the assistance of Level 3 students and Fire Cadets.

“It also highlighted how important planning your application and the need for a professional CV is. Laura being in uniform also reinforced the importance of personal presentation. At the end of her session I had a few more students interested in a career as Cabin Crew.”

Try gathering all the items you need for classes, from writing materials such as pens, pencils and notepads, to more specific items such as paints or even a uniform.

Pauline put her craft skills into action and to make protective headbands to protect ears from the elastics of PPE, and wash bags for NHS staff to put their uniform in straight after a shift.

Getting organised is crucial for a stress-free start to college. Take some time to sort out the basics like pens, pencils, and notepads, as well as any course-specific equipment or uniforms you might need. Also, familiarise yourself with the campus area and plan your travel routes if you'll be commuting by bus or train. Check timetables, locate your nearest stops, and plan your route in advance. If you're taking the train, consider getting a 16-17 saver railcard for a 50% discount on rail fares, costing only £30 a year: www.16-17saver.co.uk.

“I was so excited when I got the job offer from Virgin Atlantic. It's an airline I've dreamed of being a part of and I hoped to one day wear the red uniform!” said Jessie. “The best part has to be travelling to new destinations I would never have been to otherwise. Experiencing new cultures is something I really love and this career enables me to do that.”

Your interview is also a great opportunity for you to ask us questions. Perhaps you'd like to know more about the trips you'll go on or whether you'll be required to wear a uniform. If you don't have any questions, make an effort to ask one. Do a little bit of research about the course and ask a question about one of the modules. Perhaps ask about our former students, or even ask our tutors about their background and interests.

These placements entail 315 hours of supervised and supported learning alongside multidisciplinary teams, enabling the students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The students' exemplary conduct was evident as they proudly wore their placement uniforms and actively participated in various activities throughout the day.

The Taster Day agenda is packed with four dynamic course sessions, carefully chosen by students in advance. It’s an excellent opportunity to engage with ESC’s expert tutors and embrace the college atmosphere - all without the need for school uniform!

“I think they’ve responded well to having me teach them as I’m still out in the industry. I’ve been able to show them tricks of the trade and new trends that perhaps they wouldn’t see. I’ve also attempted to drum into them what an employer would and wouldn’t accept from their employees. For example, time keeping, uniform and other general ‘straight from school’ issues.”

Hayley added, “Devon authentically informed all learners of what the job involves, from training, to a day in the life of cabin crew and then a bit about Virgin Atlantic, telling them what to expect if they were successful. It really did add another level of realism to the process for our students.”

Every year, the College proudly supports National Apprenticeship Week to highlight the benefits of on-the-job training and help young people make informed choices about their future after school or college.

"We aren't able to run our usual schedule of events this summer, but we are still passionate about being able to interact with young people, help to feed their curiosity and enable them to make informed choices about their next steps after secondary school.

The work placements organised by the A-Level team at ESC Eastbourne offered an invaluable experience to first-year students. Placements provide an essential stepping stone towards their future careers, enriching their personal growth and helping them make informed decisions about their next steps.

“On my arrival at Sussex Downs College in 2015, I made a commitment to staff, students and the wider community that I would fulfil a three-year tenure as Principal & Chief Executive at Sussex Downs College. With this commitment in mind, I have informed the Board of Governors that it remains my intention to retire from education soon after the proposed new college is formed."

East Sussex College has turned to existing staff and some of its successful alumni, who will be sharing wellbeing tips and advice to staff, current and potential students throughout the month. This comes in the form of online blogs, workshops and classes, looking at wellbeing, education and lifestyle, to enable students to make informed choices that impact their daily life.

Speaking on this opportunity, Danylo said, “I’m very excited to see the galleries! I was really interested in that so I’m happy that I’m here. My work is inspired by the statement ‘Get Involved’ because I think every conflict and misunderstanding has been because of a lack of information. If everybody gets well informed, and does their research, there will be less misunderstandings and conflict. I’ve really enjoyed all of this to be honest. It’s really different from what I’ve seen in Ukraine, so I’m happy with the course and what has happened.”

Mia Penfold, Lewes campus Student President said, “The Question Time event has been a huge success. Over the past few weeks, we have been encouraging our students to register to vote. This event has given our students the chance to hear first-hand what their party candidates plan to do for them, so they can make an informed choice on who to vote for in the election.”