About turn to a new career

Thousands of school leavers are now awaiting results that could take them to the next level of education or set them on their chosen career path.

But, with exam grading concerns, rising unemployment, and economic uncertainty, many are re-thinking their next step and looking instead to the military.

The 35 Military Preparation Colleges (MPCs) across the UK have reported an increase in enquiries from school leavers, from all backgrounds, keen to explore a free route into a career with the Armed Forces.

The colleges provide free academic, functional and health and fitness courses to help 16 to 19-year-olds, of all abilities, reach their potential.

Along with training in physical fitness, public speaking and communication, the courses – whose instructors are all ex-British Armed Forces personnel – not only steer learners on the right path for a military career but also provide a foundation for civilian life.

Leaners are helped to become physically and mentally fitter, achieve qualifications in English and Mathematics and are trained in problem solving, leadership and communication.

“Not only does that vastly boost their employability but it boosts their confidence and self -worth,” said Founder, Huw Lewis MBE, who believes the rise in enquiries is also explained by the “huge range of career paths a military career offers.

“The perception that military life is purely about warfare has well and truly been displaced,” he said.

“The modern services – the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force – need people with a huge range of skills and abilities and, unlike the majority of civilian employers at present, they are actively recruiting.”                                                 

Funded by the Department for Education, Military Preparation Colleges have been awarded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and have prepared more than 4000 young people for a military career and helped at least a further 12,000 into other areas of employment and training.

There are Military Training Colleges at:

England

Newcastle, Sunderland, Bishop Auckland/Catterick, Teesside, Manchester, Liverpool, Walsall, Dudley, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Gloucester, Bristol, Aldershot, Croydon, Battersea, Edgware, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Eastbourne, Southampton, Stoke, Nottingham, and the Isle of Wight.

Wales

Bangor, Wrexham, Cardiff, Newport, Merthyr-Tydfil, Swansea, and Bridgend