MPCT joins forces with City College Plymouth at graduation ceremony

STUDENTS at a leading military training college (@MPCT_HQ) officially graduated at a special ceremony, which also forged new links with a Plymouth college (@cityplym). 

The graduation ceremony for 35 16-19-year-old learners at MPCT Plymouth was held at its Millbay Barracks base, at Millbay Park, last week (Friday 1st October) in front of their friends and family and special guest MP Johnny Mercer.

MPCT’s 28 Military Preparation Colleges across the UK offer free courses, all led by ex-British Armed Forces personnel, to help learners achieve qualifications in English and mathematics and vocational qualifications.

Emphasis is placed on improving their physical fitness and they are also taught to become proficient at problem solving, public speaking, leadership and communication.

And, along with marking the successful completion of their studies, the occasion heralded a new relationship between MPCT Plymouth and City College Plymouth.

Huw Lewis MBE, CEO of the Motivational Preparation College for Training (MPCT), and City College Plymouth Chief Executive, Jackie Grubb, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, cementing an ongoing working partnership to benefit students and the wider city alike.

The declaration officially recognises an agreed commitment to provide students with a richer learning experience and enhanced enrichment and progression opportunities. 

Huw Moores, MPCT Director of Partnership Development, said the ceremony was “a great opportunity for the City College Plymouth Senior Leadership Team to witness and form a greater understating of the benefits of the partnership.

“Having worked with the Senior Leadership Team up until this point, we all agreed that the partnership will be a clear benefit to the young people of Plymouth,” he said.

The Cardiff-based organisation has helped more than 20,000 school leavers gain the practical and academic skills they need for civilian or military careers, since it was founded in 1999.

And, following the graduation ceremony, Johnny Mercer MP tweeted, “At one of the jewels in Plymouth’s education system this afternoon – the Military Preparation and Training College in Millbay.

“Whatever you do in life, the military will give you the best start – bar none. Some amazing young people, and inspirational instructors.”