Local MP Peter Gibson has opened a new specialist Academy for Military Preparation in Darlington, which prepares young people for a career in the armed forces.

 

The Academy for Military Preparation is a funded course for individuals aged 16-19 who aspire to join the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force (RAF). The specialist facility is based at Darlington’s Neasham Road Army Reserve Centre, giving young people access to a working military base. This includes use of the site and fitness suite and access to specialist equipment.

 

The course will feature training and support from ex-forces personnel to provide young people with the most valuable knowledge, skills and disciplines needed to prepare them for the armed forces recruitment and selection process.

 

Commenting on his visit, Peter Gibson, Member of Parliament for Darlington, said:

 

“It was great to visit the new Academy for Military Preparation on Neasham Road. This new service will be valuable in helping to prepare the next generation of Armed Forces personnel, giving young people from the local area the training and support they need to start their careers.

 

“The UK’s Armed Forces take part in combat, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions around the world, defending the country and promoting our interests. A career in the Armed Forces can be incredibly varied, challenging and highly rewarding, and I would encourage young people considering such a move to find out more about this local service.”

 

Delivered within Army Reserve Centres in various locations across Yorkshire, Humber, and the North East, the academy offers accredited provision at level 2 in Preparation for the Military, with a varied curriculum including the values and standards of the British Military, fitness training, field craft, weapon handling and research into the job roles available in the armed forces.

The five-month course also focuses on support with CV writing, interview techniques and functional skills in English and maths to ensure recruits are fully prepared and confident about the selection process ahead.

 

One of the learners at the Darlington Academy, Boran Stratham from Thirsk, said: “I am thoroughly enjoying my time at the Academy for Military Preparation. Our tutor Lee really pushes us to be the best version of ourselves. It is great to be on a working military site and I really enjoy being part of something like this. I have grown in confidence and improved my skills and awareness of the military. I couldn’t have done it without Lee and him believing in me.”

 

With over 35 years’ experience, Seetec Outsource is one of the UK’s leading national training providers, and will initially be launching three academies across the North East of England and Yorkshire, including York and Middlesbrough. Four further academies will open in the region later this year.

 

Suki Binning, Seetec Executive Director of Justice, Social Care and Skills, said: “We’re excited to be opening this new Academy for Military Preparation here in Darlington. There is already a demand for this training, and we hope to encourage more individuals to join the course and move into a military career. The Academy will train young people in all of the essential skills required to be a part of the armed forces, providing a great start to their military career. The opening of this new service further demonstrates Seetec’s desire to create opportunities and improve lives.”

 

To find out more about the programme visit: https://www.seetecoutsource.co.uk/academy-for-military-preparation/