WATCH: Military college opens to arm young with skills
A new college offering school leavers the chance to prepare for a career in the armed forces has opened its doors in the Black Country.
The military preparation college, which aims to help 16 to 19-year-olds prepare for a military career has opened at Newhampton Arts Centre in Wolverhampton's Dunkley Street.
The college runs 20-week free courses helping teenagers develop their physical fitness, functional skills and self-confidence, giving them the best possible chance to pass selection for the Armed Forces, and complete basic training.
It is one of 16 run by Motivational Preparation College for Training across England and Wales and is backed by the Education Funding Agency. Those who decide not to pursue military or public service careers still leave the college with valuable new life skills and qualifications, setting them up for further education or employment.
Current recruits performed a number of physical training exercises during a launch event at Molineux earlier this month to showcase what is required of them on a daily basis – with physical training takes up 50 per cent of each day's activity.
Huw Lewis MBE, Managing Director of MPCT, was delighted with the launch and turnout. He said: "I have a motto at the MPCT. 'By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail'. This is something we instil in all of entrants and if you work with us, we will do everything to work with you."
Some recruits travel as long as three hours to attend the course. The military college runs an Army training course, Royal Navy training course, Royal Marines training course and RAF training course.
MPCT staff have helped over 4,000 young people since its formation in 1999.
Kevin Young, area manager for the Wolverhampton and Birmingham Military Preparation Colleges, said: "We are very excited to be opening our 17th branch of the Military Preparation College in Wolverhampton and offering our special blend of active learning to local teenagers from in and around the city."
"Our emphasis is on helping every young person achieve their full potential and instilling in them core values, skills and qualifications needed to succeed in life, whether or not that ends up being in the Armed Forces."
"The rate at which we're expanding is phenomenal and local residents in Wolverhampton have already shown an incredible amount of support to our teams. It is clear there is a real need for this kind of facility in the area."
Current recruit Aaron Nelson, 18, from Bilston, Wolverhampton, said: "Before I even knew about this course I applied for the Royal Navy, but failed purely on the fact I had no confidence and self esteem in the interview process.
"I signed onto the MPCT in March of this year, and if I hadn't of done that, there is no way I would have been able to get up in front of a crowd and perform our demonstrations.
"I want to be a Royal Navy Aircraft handler and now with this course behind me, I feel I have every chance of being one."
The rolling course lasts an average of 20 weeks and entrants can join at any time. The application process can be either be done online or over the phone. Potential students are then called in for an open day and interview and could start as early as the next week.
Applications to join the new MPCT Wolverhampton can be made at any time by visiting www.mpct.co.uk or calling 08442 438 438.
