Students studying for qualifications in Public Services at Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form have visited the UK Border Agency National Museum in Liverpool as part of their course.

The College’s Public Services programme is recognised as being a highly successful route into employment in the services, or to university and training. During the course, students learn about all aspects of life in the services, including the Armed Forces and the Police, Ambulance and Fire Services. A job in any of these sectors is high pressured and physically demanding and therefore, they require people who are both determined, hard working and dedicated.  Students take part in theory lessons encompassing command and control, criminal justice, government and politics and land navigation and also a number of physical activities ranging from Ghyll climbing and orienteering, to circuit training and residential trips with the Army and Navy. Each year, students progress into the Services and onto degree courses such as Police and Criminal Investigation.

As part of their course, in addition to the wide array of outdoor adventure activities they take part in, the students also visit places of interest relevant to their course. On this occasion, all first year Public Services students visited the UK Border Agency National Museum. Described as an inspiring and revealing museum, its role is to highlight the role of the UK Border Agency in ensuring our way of life is fair, safe, civilised and protected.

Public Services tutor Jayne Butterworth accompanied the students and said, “Since returning home, the students have said how much they enjoyed the tour of the museum and attending a powerful discussion on the dangers of carrying knives. But the highlight of the trip was definitely a demonstration by the airport sniffer dogs, which effectively showcased their skills and the methods that are employed by their handlers to train these important animals.”