MPCT HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE LAUNCH MILITARY & CIVILIAN CAREERS

Fifteen young people have taken a significant step in their lives and careers by graduating from The Military Preparation College (MPCT).

The graduates took centre stage during a ceremony at Toosey Barracks in South Liverpool recently. Parents, family, and other partners and stakeholders came together to honour the achievements of the young people. These graduates join the ranks of adolescents who have completed MPCT programmes at 19 academies across the country.

MPCT sets the benchmark in empowering young people to transition into adulthood. The organisation gives recruits the confidence and experience to become role models and productive members of society while helping them prepare for a potential military career. Programmes include physical training, health and well-being, and character development.

Skills for a lifetime

Speaking about the graduates, Carolyn Tasker, Business Development Manager at MPCT, said:

“The individual journeys of these graduates are remarkable. At the outset, they set aspirations and worked hard towards achieving them.

“Not all our recruits chose the military path; some opted for a civilian route with careers ranging from personal training roles to working as engineers. However, most did go off to join their regiments after the event. 

“They have all acquired discipline, resilience, and skills to serve them for a lifetime. We believe that every person, regardless of their academic achievement and background, should have access to the tools necessary to reach their full potential.

“The skills developed with MPCT are a solid foundation for whatever direction they choose to take in life.”

Blueprint for military and civilian success

MPCT develops a thorough and professional structure for its training programmes. This blueprint underpins a pathway for recruits who participate in a wide range of activities. The robust training equips them for a career in the military or gives them the skills to continue effectively in education or training.

Qualifications include a level 2 in Preparation for Military Service and a level 3 Certificate for Entry to the Uniformed Services. When required, functional skills in numeracy and literacy prepare learners for further learning, work, and life in general.

Career steps

Most recruits in the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force will begin their military career by enrolling on an apprenticeship. Those who do not opt for this route acquire transferable skills that are useful in almost any sector or industry. Skills are developed through modules that include leadership, teamwork, and communication.

The recent cohort of graduates from MPCT demonstrates how structure and positive reinforcement can help young people reimagine their future. Where recruits face wider barriers to signing up for an MPCT course, The Motivation and Learning Trust can step in to provide support and motivation.

A parent’s perspective

Whilst some parents may have understandable worries about their child choosing a military career, the RAF, Royal Navy, or Army can offer a young person a strong sense of focus and ambition, and turn lives around. The parent of Lucas, a pupil struggling in his sixth form and spending a lot of time alone in his room, said that things took a turn for the better when he came across an RAF apprenticeship in cybersecurity. MCPT provided Lucas with help and guidance, starting with a tour of their training facilities. His parent says:

“Lucas immediately knew this was the place where he could get the training he needed to pursue a career in the RAF. A few weeks later, Lucas left sixth form and started at MPCT, and I had never seen him so passionate about anything before. 

“He transformed from a young man who spent most of his time alone in his room on his PC, with little interest in exercise, to someone with a clear purpose and direction, all thanks to the support of MPCT, who believed in him and his potential.”

Moving beyond the college

While MPCT’s military preparation programme is its most well-known offering, its initiatives span much further:

• MPCT schools: Providing “a curriculum for life” to 14-16-year-olds, preparing them for lifelong learning. 
• The Fitness Academy: Catering to 16-19-year-olds interested in sports and active leisure, offering qualifications and experience for careers in fitness. 
• MPCT Young Leaders: A character-building initiative implemented in primary schools, designed to employ MPCT’s unique education syllabus to broaden the learning experience of young students.

These programmes highlight MPCT’s commitment to personal growth, ensuring that every student is given the opportunity to excel.