Army Reserve Centre
Mitcham Road
Croydon
CR0 3RU
T: 0330 111 3939
enquiries@mpct.co.uk
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John Hughes joined the Army at the age of 18 where after completing training, he joined the 1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Wales (1RRW) in 1993.
John spent 10 years with 1RRW which included postings to Northern Ireland, London on public duties and Germany in an armoured infantry role before being posted to the Infantry Training Centre Catterick (ITC(C)) in 2000 as Section Commander training adult recruits. During his infantry career he was fortunate to have gained a broad range of experience in roles such as foot soldiering, peacekeeping, covert surveillance, reconnaissance, armoured infantry and as an instructor – roles which enabled him to visit countries such as the Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, America, Canada, South Africa, Germany, Bosnia and Ukraine on exercises and operations.
In 2002, he transferred to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) as a Regimental Specialist before being posted to the Army Technical Foundation College (ATFC) in Arborfield, Berkshire as a Section Commander, training 16-17 year old apprentice trainees wishing to join the various army technical Corps.
On promotion to Sergeant in 2005, he became a Platoon Sergeant at the School of Electronic and Aeronautical Engineering (SEAE). A responsibility of his was to lead on non-technical military training for phase 2 trainees during the periods between their technical courses.
In 2007 John was posted to 1 Close Support Battalion REME in Osnabruck, Germany on promotion to Staff Sergeant and immediately commenced pre-operational training for a deployment to Iraq (Operation TELIC 11). Soon after arriving at the battalion, he was appointed Company Sergeant Major (CSM) for the deployment in acting Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) rank. This followed by a posting to the Army Foundation College, Harrogate (AFC(H)) in 2008 as a Quartermaster Sergeant.
On promotion to WO2 in 2010, he was posted to Bielefeld, Germany and became the CSM of 2 Field Company, 101 Force Support Battalion REME and deployed to Cyprus as Operations Company CSM of the British contingent of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and later to the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) as CSM of a REME vehicle fleet and equipment Summer Repair Programme (SRP).
John’s final assignment before completing his 22 year Colour Service was as a Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) in the appointment of Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of 4 Close Support Battalion REME.
On transitioning from the Army, he broadened his career portfolio in operations and facilities management before becoming the London Regional Operations Manager (ROM) at MPCT in April 2020.
Courtney joined the army in May 1995 at 18 years old and completed 24 years service in the Royal logistic Corps where he finished as a Corporal. During that time, he completed a various number of courses which included, Physical training instructor, senior drill instructor, and Battlefield casualty instructor. In 2001, Courtney had also completed the notorious P-Company and became a military parachutists.
Courtney completed 5 tours in his career, which were 2 of Northern Ireland, Macedonia, and 2 of Afghanistan. Also being a driver by trade dictated his role on tour whether part of the main battle group re-supply or force protection to the logistical convoys. He also had the opportunity of taking part in many high profile events like, the London & Para Olympics , and the Arnhem celebration.
Prior to leaving the forces, health and fitness was a key interest to Courtney, so he added level 3 in personal training and exercise referral to his bow.
Courtney is originally from the West Midlands and he went to Wulfrun college where he was doing I.T and a sports leadership diploma.
As for teaching experiences, a lot was done in the military when Courtney was teaching on the Husky all-terrain vehicle prior to deploying to Afghanistan. Courtney is a keen sportsman, he like's football, badminton, american football, parachuting, and adventure training.
I previously served in the Royal Marines from 2014 – 2020. 2 years at 40 Commando as a General Duties marine. 4 years at 30 Commando IX in Communications Squadron where I specialized as a Signaler.
I was deployed all around the globe this included; being a member of the Ship Force Protection Team around the Iranian Gulf, multiple cold weather warfare training deployments to Norway, jungle training in Belize and much more.
In 2018 I represented 30 Commando at the corps boxing championships at light heavyweight.
With physical fitness being such a massive part of being a Marine, when I left I knew I wanted to be able to pass on my knowledge and experience so I completed my Level 3 Personal Trainer course.
MPCT is the perfect place for me to pass on all my relevant knowledge and experience.
I joined MPCT in April 2021 and currently serving as the functional skills instructor at the Croydon Campus.
I am originally from the state of Connecticut and have been in the UK for over 5 years. My background includes 4 years of active military service in the U.S. Navy where I achieved the rank of Petty Officer 3rd class. Immediately after leaving the Navy, I attended university where I earned a BSc in Exercise Science as well as an M Ed in Educational Studies.
While not at work, I enjoy spending time with my daughters, cooking American barbeque, and gardening.
Emma started with MPCT in April 2016 and is currently a RSQM, having previously been the Skills Tutor for Croydon and Battersea.
They thoroughly enjoy working with teenagers and helping them to build self-confidence and various others traits which prepare them for the working world. Spending 1-2-1 time with each learner and developing their Math's and English skills brings her great satisfaction. Helping someone to understand something they previously struggled with is something Emma takes great pride in.
As a RSQM, she enjoys supporting Skills Instructors to offer the best educational experience possible to our learners.
In her personal time, Emma enjoys cooking, reading and walking. She has also worked with the Army Cadet Force as a CFAV since 2008, having previously been a cadet herself. During their time with the ACF, she has completed numerous course including SAA instructor, Obstacle Course Supervisor and various Range Qualifications. Emma’s current role is as a Company Commander for South West London ACF.