FE Bursary Scheme aims to help young people prepare for career in the army

“A career in the Army ““ College can help!

West Cheshire College have signed up to be a partner in the Army’s new Further Education Bursary Scheme, with an aim to help 16-25 year-olds prepare for a career in the army.

The College is just one of nine Further Education establishments in the North West to pilot the new scheme, which financially rewards students to go to College and get a job in the army at the end of their course.

Students will receive £1,000 during their studies at College, then a further £1,000 upon completion of their phase one army training.

While at College, the army will also help prepare students with work experience with an Army Team, while an Army contact will also be on hand throughout the course to provide support to students during studies.

Qualifications that the Army is supporting at West Cheshire College include the BTEC First Diploma’s in Public Services, ICT, Logistics, Sport (Exercise & Fitness) and the NVQ 2 in Professional Cookery.

Ruth Jones, Manager for 14-19 year-olds at West Cheshire College, said: “We are delighted to be one the Colleges in the North West to offer this exciting new training scheme.

“The Army is one of the UK’s largest employers, offering over 100 different jobs and is respected around the world for doing a job no-one else can do.”

Robbie Williams, Army Career Advisor for Schools and Colleges in Cheshire, said: “The FE Bursary Scheme is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in an army career.

Upon completion of their chosen course, students on the bursary scheme will be required to undergo soldier selection at an Army Development and Selection Centre (ADSC). If students pass this selection, they will be guaranteed a job offer and a place on initial military training.

The Army is currently looking for people who are thinking about starting a college course in September 2007. For more information visit armyjobs.mod.uk or call 0845 7300 111

Chris Mitchell