Locations

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.

Simon Graham

I was born in North Shields & joined the Royal Navy aged 18 in 2002.  I was in the Logistics branch as a Catering Service.  The Ships & Units I have served in during my 22 years’ service in the Royal Navy are HMS INVINCIBLE, 814 Naval Air Squadron, RFA ARGUS, HMS ILLUSTRIOUS, HMS EDINBURGH, HMS COLLINGWOOD, HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH, HMS PRINCE OF WALES, HMS ALBION, Commandant General Royal Marines, Second Sea Lord House, Royal Navy Boxing Team & Defence College of Logistics, Policing & Administration(DCLPA).

During my time I have been deployed on many Operations & Exercises around the World.  I have been deployed to North America, Caribbean, South Atlantic, Falkland Islands, Pacific Ocean, Mediterranean. South China Sea, The North Arabian Gulf, Artic Circle, Indian Ocean & UK Waters.  The best place’s I have visited during my time in the Royal Navy was New York, Florida, South America, Japan, South Africa & Barbados.

One of the most rewarding things I have done is I have delivered grassroots boxing throughout my time on board Ships & training establishments & assisted the Royal Navy Boxing Team as one of the coaches & also represented the Royal Navy Boxing.

I joined MPCT Sunderland in December 2024 the reason why I wanted to join MPCT is to help young people & adults to reach their potential & help them potentially join the services by passing on my knowledge & service experience onto them.

Simon Vella

My name is Simon Vella, and I am a dedicated full-time training instructor at MPCT Newcastle.

Joining MPCT: I joined MPCT in October 2024 with the goal of helping young adults realize their potential as productive members of society. My mission is to guide them towards careers in the military services or to become valuable citizens with strong moral values and standards. I focus on building their physical and emotional resilience to prepare them for any challenges life may present. My background in the military, project management, and the Probation Service provides me with unique skills and empathy to positively influence young people.

Military Career: I served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) as a Land Systems Technician for 14 years, from 2003 to 2021. During my service, I participated in numerous Company and Battalion level exercises, teaching military skills to junior soldiers. I also completed four operational deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, serving in various roles from junior to senior management. I hold qualifications equivalent to an HNC in Electrical Engineering and a Level 4 Diploma in Leadership and Management. Additionally, I have enjoyed adventure training and sports, including accelerated freefall skydiving, PADI Open Water Diving, and BASI snowboarding and skiing instructor qualifications, representing REME in Winter Sports Competitions.

MPCT Experience: Since joining MPCT in October 2024, I have completed a Level 3 Award in Education & Training. I am also set to complete an Undergraduate Level 6 Degree in Psychology in September 2027, with a focus on Educational Psychology. These qualifications will enhance my ability to engage with learners, addressing their individual needs through diverse teaching methods both in the classroom and outdoors, helping them achieve their goals.

Hobbies & Interests: In my spare time, I participate in Spartan Obstacle Course Races and Hyrox competitions, having competed in Hyrox Birmingham and London in 2024, and three Spartan Races in 2022. I look forward to participating in three more Spartan Races in 2025. I also enjoy hiking adventures across the country and Europe with my wife and three dogs, and I seize every opportunity to snowboard in Scotland and the Austrian Alps.

Conclusion: I am deeply committed to the mission and values of MPCT Military Academies. My goal is to support all learners in achieving their aspirations, whether they aim for a military career or seek physical and emotional growth and maturity to thrive in civilian life.

Lee Dunville

Hi Team, my name is Lee Dunville I’m one of the Training Instructor at MPCT Newcastle.

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.