Truro and Penwith College students are studying new modules on cyber law and security, homicide, violence and contemporary society and security, among others, to ensure Cornwall produces the talent to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.

The Truro and Penwith College public services team has revealed it is constantly developing courses to reflect the “ever-changing nature of the public sector” and to “provide students with current and appropriate material and skills to help give them every opportunity to succeed.”

Sport and public services lecturer and military fitness coordinator at the college, Matt Kennedy-Smith, said it was vital to provide relevant courses to students.

As part of this focus, a recent college event saw a wide range of employers in the public sector, including members from the armed services, the emergency services, HM Prison Services, HM Coastguard and the local authorities come together to share best practice.

Mr Kennedy-Smith said: “This event is clearly beneficial to the students studying on all levels of the public services courses we offer, as it will enable them to have the right employability skills.”

It has been another highly successful year for the Truro and Penwith College public services students, he continued, highlighting that the level three BTEC extended diploma students got off to a terrific start by winning the highly coveted Piers Cellar Royal Navy Challenge Cup.

Mr Kennedy-Smith said: “Throughout the year the students undertook entry fitness tests with an array of public services, including the fire and rescue service and the British Army.

“This culminated in students developing their own six-week training programme to help achieve level three unit six fitness testing and training for the uniformed public services and level two unit five health, lifestyle and fitness.

“The Royal Air Force delivered an exciting leadership challenge called Operation X, this involved students solving problems in a high pressure environment thus simulating potential situations a career in the RAF might present.”

The Devon and Cornwall Police firearms team and dog handling team provided in-depth presentations and practical demonstrations on the skills required for a potential career in these highly specialised units.

Other students took part in the Look at Royal Marines Life course at the commando base in Lympstone, Devon. This week replicated the potential Royal Marine course that all recruits have to pass to be selected for further training.

Mr Kennedy-Smith added: “Several of the students surpassed all tests, with the Royal Marine staff complimenting the college on the students' standards of fitness and overall determined attitude towards all aspects of the course.”

The academic year for level three was capped off with an adventurous and challenging multi-day expedition on Dartmoor, that included wild camping, navigation in all conditions, camp craft and teamwork.

Anyone interested in public service can find out more by visiting www.truro-penwith.ac.uk