A local college has joined forces with a neighbouring Reserve Centre to offer uniformed services students a taste of Army life. Bishop Auckland College and D (Rifles) Coy Fifth Fusiliers have agreed a two year affiliation which will see students attend the infantry company’s Reserve Centre for regular training sessions, which will include practising section attacks and learning about military communications.
The students will be kitted out with smart jackets, polo shirts and sport t-shirts emblazoned with the D Coy and Bishop Auckland College logos, which have been part funded by contributions from D Coy and the wider Fifth Fusiliers.
The training sessions, which started in the new year, are being held at D Coy’s Reserve Centre, Eden Armoury, located near the college’s main Bishop Auckland campus, and at the College campus itself.
Captain Janet McNab, Staff and Admin Officer said: “We are thrilled that this affiliation is taking place between two professional and forward thinking organisations offering young people opportunities, adventure and training. I look forward to D Coy training students in the near future.”
Former Greenfields pupil, Ashton Waters, 16 years, is now studying the programme at the College and said, “I feel very proud to wear our new uniform. It really helps us prepare for our working life in the services after College, and I am really looking forward to the activities with D-Company and the Fifth Fusiliers.”
The Level 3 Diploma in Public Services course prepares students for direct employment in the Armed Services or emergency services, helping them develop the skills needed including confidence, self discipline, problem solving, meeting deadlines, keeping fit, and working as part of a team. They achieve a qualification equivalent to three A-Levels at the end of the two-year course.
For more information on the course, which starts each September, visit the website at www.bishopaucklandcollege.ac.uk or email start@bacoll.ac.uk or call 0800 092 6506.
Photo: Fusilier Jack Bradley (front left) and Corporal Carl Boyd (front right) of D Coy with the Bishop Auckland College uniformed services staff and students.
