MPC ALUMNI

Follow in their Footsteps

As a former MPCT student you are part of our community. As an alumni we want you to share your memories of being an MPCT student and how it has helped you along the path you have chosen.

If you have any photos, memorabilia or memories of your time here, we would be delighted if you would share these with us and the community.

E-MAIL YOUR STORY TO ALUMNI@MPCT.CO.UK

As an Alumni you will be invited to events in the MPCT calendar at certain times of the year and receive publications from MPCT such as our annual review.

As an alumni you will also receive a 10% discount on the Black Mountain Embroidery.

MAI-LYN CLARKE

MPC CARDIFF

My name’s Mai-Lyn Clarke and I started MPCT in 2017, where the new me was created.

Before I joined the Cardiff College, I had no clue who I was, where I was and where I wanted to go next. I was extremely lazy, and at school, before every exam, a teacher would wake me up and a taxi had to be called to my house because I lacked motivation and I had no reason to keep on going. This is where MPCT changed me as a person.

At first, it was a struggle for me to go to college at 8:30 every morning. Having to polish my boots, iron my clothes and make sure I had everything that I need for the day was a challenge. However, the staff at MPCT really pushed me and one thing they never did was give up on me, and this is when I began to realise that I really could do it and I finally felt like people believed I could do it.

I continued to expand my maths and English understanding at MPCT. I found this more beneficial than school because there was a context and purpose to the work. During my 2 years and 8 months at the college, I completed three levels in Application of Number and was working towards a Level 2 qualification. In addition, I completed two levels in Communications and again, I was working towards a Level 2 qualification. Working on my skills helped me to pass my psychometric test for the Royal Navy. I had 1 to 1 sessions with Ma’am West where we focused on the areas I needed to work on the most.

I was quite reserved in the first few months at the college and lacked confidence, but after practising my Ice Breaker, over time, I found myself delivering it at several VIP visits to senior ranking officers.

During my time on the course, I overcame many barriers such as time keeping, discipline and motivation. The biggest barrier I had to overcome was being medically unfit for the navy for over half a year. For many people this would have been a setback, and many would easily go off path and start considering new career options, however, I kept on pushing with the support of the staff. I knew what I wanted, and I knew no matter what barriers I had to face, I was going to get where I wanted to be and that was in the Royal Navy. Thanks to Staff Richards, Staff Toye and the whole of MPCT I am now ready for my start date on the 11th of May and they will soon be able to see me pass out as who I am now and not who I was then.

When I first joined the college, I was aware of the MLT but was not sure what it was and how it supported learners. Over time I realised what an amazing thing it is, I have been fortunate enough to attend a battlefield tour with the support of the MLT, and I was fortunate enough to be able to deliver my icebreaker during the MLT fundraising evening.

Before starting basic training, I found myself in a difficult situation concerning my home life and had to resort to living with friends. I was in a difficult situation and I used the only money I had saved to buy food. This meant I was unable to get any of the items of kit that I needed to start my training.

Inevitably, I began to panic and was close to postponing my start date until my personal situation had improved. I messaged the staff and explained my situation. Shortly after, the MLT were contacted to see if they could support me in any way and this resulted in the funding I needed. Thanks to the MLT, I purchased all the kit I needed to start my training.

Despite a global pandemic, I am a proud member of the Royal Navy. Thank you so much for your support.

CHERISE LLOYD

MPC BANGOR

Miss Lloyd was a learner at MPC Bangor back in 2010, 2011. Although she aspired for the military it didn’t work out for her so she went back to an FE college and studied health before moving on to working as a HCA in the local hospital. During which time amongst others she cared for my Grandmother. On Monday 16/07 she graduated with BSc in Psychology and criminal sciences from Liverpool University.

ALEX UPTON

MPC NEWPORT

Alex Upton, who joined the college  on the 1st July 2016, progressed to Newport Galvanizers in June 2017.

The Military Preparation College gave me a confidence boost which has really helped me to make friends and have the confidence to communicate with my new colleagues. The physical training that I did at the College has been so important in preparing me too as you have to be fit for the job as there’s lots of physical work and heavy lifting.

I’ve made a lot of friends here at Newport Galvanizers, it’s a good environment to work in as well because it’s practical and I love that. I’m now working towards my NVQ and I’m earning a decent salary. I’ve just passed my fork-lift licence too (which Newport Galvanizers pay for), so I’m constantly developing and getting new skills to help progress my career.”

MAI-LYN CLARKE

MPC CARDIFF

My name’s Mai-Lyn Clarke and I started MPCT in 2017, where the new me was created.

Before I joined the Cardiff College, I had no clue who I was, where I was and where I wanted to go next. I was extremely lazy, and at school, before every exam, a teacher would wake me up and a taxi had to be called to my house because I lacked motivation and I had no reason to keep on going. This is where MPCT changed me as a person.

At first, it was a struggle for me to go to college at 8:30 every morning. Having to polish my boots, iron my clothes and make sure I had everything that I need for the day was a challenge. However, the staff at MPCT really pushed me and one thing they never did was give up on me, and this is when I began to realise that I really could do it and I finally felt like people believed I could do it.

I continued to expand my maths and English understanding at MPCT. I found this more beneficial than school because there was a context and purpose to the work. During my 2 years and 8 months at the college, I completed three levels in Application of Number and was working towards a Level 2 qualification. In addition, I completed two levels in Communications and again, I was working towards a Level 2 qualification. Working on my skills helped me to pass my psychometric test for the Royal Navy. I had 1 to 1 sessions with Ma’am West where we focused on the areas I needed to work on the most.

I was quite reserved in the first few months at the college and lacked confidence, but after practising my Ice Breaker, over time, I found myself delivering it at several VIP visits to senior ranking officers.

During my time on the course, I overcame many barriers such as time keeping, discipline and motivation. The biggest barrier I had to overcome was being medically unfit for the navy for over half a year. For many people this would have been a setback, and many would easily go off path and start considering new career options, however, I kept on pushing with the support of the staff. I knew what I wanted, and I knew no matter what barriers I had to face, I was going to get where I wanted to be and that was in the Royal Navy. Thanks to Staff Richards, Staff Toye and the whole of MPCT I am now ready for my start date on the 11th of May and they will soon be able to see me pass out as who I am now and not who I was then.

When I first joined the college, I was aware of the MLT but was not sure what it was and how it supported learners. Over time I realised what an amazing thing it is, I have been fortunate enough to attend a battlefield tour with the support of the MLT, and I was fortunate enough to be able to deliver my icebreaker during the MLT fundraising evening.

Before starting basic training, I found myself in a difficult situation concerning my home life and had to resort to living with friends. I was in a difficult situation and I used the only money I had saved to buy food. This meant I was unable to get any of the items of kit that I needed to start my training.

Inevitably, I began to panic and was close to postponing my start date until my personal situation had improved. I messaged the staff and explained my situation. Shortly after, the MLT were contacted to see if they could support me in any way and this resulted in the funding I needed. Thanks to the MLT, I purchased all the kit I needed to start my training.

Despite a global pandemic, I am a proud member of the Royal Navy. Thank you so much for your support.

ALEX UPTON

MPC NEWPORT

Alex Upton, who joined the college  on the 1st July 2016, progressed to Newport Galvanizers in June 2017.

The Military Preparation College gave me a confidence boost which has really helped me to make friends and have the confidence to communicate with my new colleagues. The physical training that I did at the College has been so important in preparing me too as you have to be fit for the job as there’s lots of physical work and heavy lifting.

I’ve made a lot of friends here at Newport Galvanizers, it’s a good environment to work in as well because it’s practical and I love that. I’m now working towards my NVQ and I’m earning a decent salary. I’ve just passed my fork-lift licence too (which Newport Galvanizers pay for), so I’m constantly developing and getting new skills to help progress my career.”

CHERISE LLOYD

MPC BANGOR

Miss Lloyd was a learner at MPC Bangor back in 2010, 2011. Although she aspired for the military it didn’t work out for her so she went back to an FE college and studied health before moving on to working as a HCA in the local hospital. During which time amongst others she cared for my Grandmother. On Monday 16/07 she graduated with BSc in Psychology and criminal sciences from Liverpool University.