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Lee Dunville

Hi Team, my name is Lee Dunville I’m the centre manager at MPCT Sunderland.

I joined MPCT Newcastle on 2^nd December 2024.

After serving 24 years in the Army as an instructor, I joined MPCT because I wanted to continue making a difference in young people’s lives. Throughout my military career, one of the most rewarding aspects was mentoring and developing others — helping them unlock their potential and grow in confidence, discipline, and resilience. MPCT's values and mission aligned perfectly with my own: preparing the next generation with life skills, physical fitness, and a strong sense of purpose. It was a natural transition for me to move into a role where I could still use my experience to inspire and support young learners in a positive and structured environment.

I proudly served in the British Army for 24 years, undertaking a variety of roles both in the UK and overseas. A major part of my career was spent as an instructor, where I was responsible for training and mentoring soldiers at different stages of their development. My duties included delivering physical training, leadership development, and fieldcraft instruction, as well as leading teams in demanding environments. Throughout my service, I built strong communication, discipline, and motivational skills — all of which were key to encouraging effective teamwork and professional growth. My military background has instilled in me a strong sense of resilience, adaptability, and dedication, which I continue to carry into my civilian career.

My Greatest achievement during my 24-year military career was the opportunity to train and guide the next generation of soldiers in my role as an instructor. One moment that stands out was when I led the development of a group of recruits who initially lacked confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills. Through consistent instruction, encouragement, and firm leadership, I helped them grow into a capable and united team. Many of them went on to succeed in their own military careers. Witnessing their transformation, and knowing I played an important role in their progress, was deeply rewarding. It reinforced my belief that true leadership is not just about giving direction, but about making a lasting and positive difference in the lives of others.

Since joining MPCT, I have acquired several important qualifications, including safeguarding, first aid, and teaching certifications, which have greatly improved my ability to effectively support and instruct learners.

I aim to advance within MPCT, taking on greater leadership responsibilities, contributing to the development of the curriculum, and helping to guide both learners and instructors to achieve improved outcomes.

My most significant achievement has been assisting a group of learners who faced personal challenges, helping them build confidence and discipline, with many progressing to join the Armed Forces or continue their education.

The aspect I find most fulfilling is the opportunity to positively impact young people’s lives, helping them enhance their self-assurance, physical fitness, and mindset, while working as part of a dedicated team focused on their development.

Hobbies & Interests: MMA, Swimming and Hill walking.

I am dedicated to MPCT’s mission of equipping young people with the essential skills, discipline, and mindset for success in both military and civilian life. I align myself with the academy’s core values of integrity, respect, and commitment, which I uphold in my daily work. I focus on nurturing each learner’s physical, mental, and leadership development, ensuring they gain the confidence and resilience needed to thrive. My goal is to create a supportive and motivating environment where all students are prepared for their future, whatever path they choose.

Alister Noble

Joined 2021

I previously served 5 years in the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. During this period of my life I had the honour of taking part in Her Majesty’s Birthday Parade, “The Trooping of the Colour”. When not on ceremonial duties, I spent time abroad in places such as Latvia, The Falklands and Thailand, developing my skills as an Infantry Soldier.

After hanging up my boots, I pursued my dream of travelling around America. Whilst there, I also worked in summer camps with young people. I made some amazing memories and really enjoyed the backpacking lifestyle.

Since returning to England, I have spent the past few years working in a residential children’s home for young people suffering with mental health issues. I have found this line of work to be very rewarding.

I play football as a hobby, which I do up to three times a week when time permits. At football, I enjoy playing in a centre-forward position and scoring goals into the top right-hand corner like a postage stamp.

I am looking forward to starting with MPCT and guiding the next generation onto an illustrious path in their chosen service.

Connan Cuthbertson

Joined 2018

Connan was born in Sunderland, England, and joined the Parachute Regiment from leaving school at 16. He started his career at AFC Harrogate and went on to pass Parachute Company (Pcoy) at the age of 17 as one of the youngest recruits to pass para selection.

Connan served with the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment in Colchester and got both his British and German parachute qualifications.
He parachuted into Arnhem, Holland for the anniversary with various different Paratroopers from all over the world.
He went on various different exercises and tasks such as OP FIRIC and Airborne Task Force (ABTF). Connan has a family history in the regiment as his brother and dad both served in the same battalion. Sadly he lost his brother in Afghanistan in 2008 to a suicide bomb.
Connan left the Army in 2014 and re-joined in 2017 as a Combat Medic Technician, so that he could gain knowledge in the medical environment and help people in the future.

When leaving regular service Connan went on to get his close protection licence, in which he's been doing since he started MPCT for the last 3 years.

The reason he started MPCT is to help young individuals achieve their goals and share his knowledge from his career.

Sam Brown McCormack

Joined 2021

During his 8 years in the army, Sam serviced as an infantry soldier in 3rd battalion the rifle. During his service Sam had deployed in many places around the world such as Kenya, America and Germany to conduct training and force protection exercises as well as many UK exercises.

During his time at 3 rifles he spent 5 years in a rifle company where he then went on a promotion course where he exceeded the rank of a Lance corporal. After picking up the rank as a Lance corporal he then went to do a physical trainer instructor course. Once completing his course he then got posted to AFC Harrogate as Physical Training instructor where he spent 30 months there before returning back to unit.

During his time in the army he was part of the 3 rifles boxing team where they travelled to Cyprus and many places in UK in competition and training camps and came runners up in the inter units competitions.

After leaving the army he had a weeks leave then started at MPCT Newcastle as a training instructor.