Locations

Matthew Thacker

Joined: 2020

Matt joined the Army at the age of 17 and was a member of the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (RWF) for 9 years and reached the rank of Corporal. He served in many countries on tours Afghanistan, Falklands, Cyprus, Kenya, and India. His role in the Army was a section Commander, leading his men into battle, and he further completed many gruelling courses whilst in the Army SCBC, Reece Commanders course and Cambrian Patrol. IMatt considers himself lucky enough to also be a Military Co-Ordinator at MPCT Wrexham before he left the Army in 2014.

Matt joined MPCT in 2015 as the Centre Manager in Newport for 4 years where Ihe felt privileged to support many young learners to achieve their ambitions of joining the forces and many others to gain further education or employment.

He was promoted to the Regional Operations Manager South of England Region in 2019 and looks forward to continuing with his long-term career at MPCT.

Matt is currently developing his CPD and enrolled in a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance.

A very keen sportsman, Matt’s favourite sport is football and supports Manchester United. He also loves the great outdoors where he spends most of my time. Matt considers himself a keen family man to his wife, Vicky, and his two children, Honey and Teddy.

Steve Trewinnard

Joined 2020

Steve served in the Army for 25 years and left as a WO2 in the Infantry (2PWRR). He really enjoyed his time in the forces and served in a variety of theatres to include Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

During his time in active duty, Steve was posted to train recruits at the Army Foundation College based at Harrogate for 2 years which was his favourite posting of his career. Also, he was posted as a Fire Support Group Instructor based in Warminster teaching various ranks from Lance Corporals to Captains on the Tactics, Techniques and Procedures currently used.

The highlight of Steve's career was serving with the SBS in Afghanistan for 6 months as their RQMS in which he was responsible for their re-supplies by either air or land further forward than that of conventional forces. This was a good insight to their role and how different they operate to the Army.

After Steve left the Army, he was a Maritime Security Team Leader for Ambrey Risk in which he was responsible for high valued commercial ships transiting through the Piracy High Risk Area. This was a demanding job but an enjoyable one. However, this also meant time away again from his wife and after a year and half left this for a more stable home life.

Steve joined MPCT Gloucester in 2015 as Lead Training Instructor. Recently promoted to Centre Manager at Plymouth, Steve enjoys all types of fitness and love teaching and seeing the learner achieve success. Working for MPCT allows Steve to give something back to those who wish to join the forces and allows individuals to prepare properly to achieve their success.

Steve is married to his wife, Vicky, and they have one son Ethan, who is 5 years old. He keeps them on their toes! They enjoy life in Devon with the beautiful beaches and great outdoors.

Stuart Jeffrey

Joined 2020

Stuart joined the 1st Battalion the Royal Welch Fusiliers in 1994 and over his 24 year career, Stuart progressed from a Fusilier (Private soldier) to a WO2 (Warrant Officer).

Throughout Stuart's career he had an active role on multiple operational tours to Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan plus numerous overseas exercises to Canada, the Falkland Islands, Kenya and Oman.

A large part of Stuart's career was in the reconnaissance platoon commanding teams on operations in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. Stuart completed various tactical, vocational and instructional roles and courses within the armed forces including light role and armoured reconnaissance, sniper, tracking and ground sign awareness, jungle warfare, map reading, advanced surveillance and weapon systems.

He has been able to pass his knowledge and skills onto others through several teaching specific postings including ITC Catterick and the Operational Training and Advisory Group (now MTMC) where he was responsible for the training and development of operations, tactics and procedures for operations in Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and Cyprus.

Stuart is really looking forward to using his teaching skills and experience to inspire the students of MPCT and help them to achieve their goals.

Russell Smith

Joined 2020

Russell Joined the Royal Marines at the age of 22. Serving ten years and completing two tours of Iraq and a tour of Afghanistan, Russell was lucky enough to experience training all over the world, his favourite place being the arctic of Norway!

After leaving the Marines, Russell went into the Maritime Security sector and completed two years looking out for Captain Jack Sparrow and his motley crew. Whilst home on leave, Russell was working for a company delivering employability courses through Job Centre Plus. As much as he loved the sun and views in and around the Indian Ocean, Russell found he had a passion for helping people to progress in their lives.

Russell moved on to a more permanent role working with 16-24 year olds who were suffering with anxiety and depression and just didn’t fit with mainstream education (through no fault of their own). Russell really enjoyed working 1:1 with these youngsters and seeing them change and progress over his time with them was really fulfilling.

Russell saw that MPCT were coming to Plymouth and knew he had to apply!