News & Events

News & Events / Maj Gen Sharon Nesmith GOC ARITC attends VIP visit at MPC Newport.

Maj Gen Sharon Nesmith GOC ARITC attends VIP visit at MPC Newport.

On the 29th June 2021 MPCT were delighted to host a VIP visit at our Newport centre in Raglan Barracks.

Our guest list included –

  • Maj Gen Sharon Nesmith, GOC, ARITC.
  • WO Annie Aspin, Command Sergeant Major, ARITC.
  • Gillian Russell, Senior Program Manager – Global Military Affairs (Worldwide), Amazon.
  • Emma Morgan, Program Manager – EMEA | Global Military Program, Amazon.
  • Cath Possamai, CEO British Army Recruiting Group.
  • Capt Pete Viney, Head of Recruiting and Attraction, Royal Navy.
  • WO Jo McDonald, Recruiting Fieldforce Executive Warrant Officer.
  • WO John Thacker, Wales and West Attract and Engagement Team.
  • Lt Cdr Lee Broster, Royal Navy Recruiting Operations Officer.
  • Edward Saville, Vice Chair, Motivation and Learning Trust (MLT).

We started the day with Learner presentations where we got to hear from two of our ambassadors, Megan Banfield and Owain Sykes as they shared their inspiring journeys at MPCT.

The ambassadors took this opportunity to also give a brief overview of life at MPCT and a lookback at just a handful of highlights we’ve experienced over the last couple of years.

Ambassadors Megan Banfield and Owain Sykes.

After the presentation the learners at MPC Newport put on a drill display led by ambassador Owain Sykes. The display was outstanding and made even more memorable by the accompaniment of the drums. Our drummers were ambassador Megan Banfield and Learners Tomas Pugh and Keely Salter.

Our Learners then gave a IMF demonstration which was led by Learner Finlay Hurn.

We then headed back to the officers mess where we heard from Learners Jade Howell, Joshua Costa, Toni Heffernan, Max Head and Megan Banfield as they presented their ice-breakers and gave us an insight into their chosen career path in the Armed Forces.

Once the ice-breakers came to a close our Learners were then given the opportunity to ask our VIP’s some questions of their own.

We’re extremely proud of how our Learners conducted themselves on the day in front of our VIP guests who were all very impressed with the show put on by the Staff and Learners – Thank you MPC Newport.

Back to news articles

MPCT Opens Doors Across the South West and South of England.

This autumn, Military Preparation Colleges (MPCT) are excited to open their doors to teachers, careers advisors, and influencers for a unique opportunity to step inside an operational college. These special events are designed to upskill professionals with the latest insights into post-16 opportunities, helping them to guide and advise young people on their next steps....

Read more

Think we’re great… tell a mate

Refer a friend to a programme at an MPCT Military Academy and earn yourself £50* MPCT’s refer-a-friend scheme is open! Simply tell your friends to enrol online and pass on your name to secure some much needed £££. The scheme allows you to be rewarded for introducing your friends to any of our MPCT academies....

Read more

Results Day: Your Next Mission Starts Here with MPCT Military Academies

Whether you’ve just picked up your A-Level or GCSE results, today might feel like a turning point. Maybe you got the grades you were hoping for – or maybe the outcome wasn’t quite what you expected. Either way, this is just the beginning of your journey, not the end. At MPCT Military Academies, we help...

Read more

Visit your local MPCT Military Academy

Open Events – Summer 2025 – Inspiring the Next Generation of Young Leaders As part of our continued mission to prepare and empower young people for successful futures, MPCT Military Academies are proud to announce a series of Open Events for Summer 2025. These events are a chance for prospective learners, parents, and local communities...

Read more

North East Music Sensation Schak Visits MPCT Newcastle to Honour Armed Forces Week.

In celebration of Armed Forces Week, learners and staff at MPCT Newcastle were treated to a truly memorable experience as North East DJ and music star Schak visited the college to show his support and share his inspiring journey. Schak, known for his chart-topping dance anthems and energy on stage, took time out of his...

Read more

Honouring Armed Forces Day 2025: Training Tomorrow’s Heroes, Today.

As we approach Armed Forces Day 2025, MPCT is proud to stand alongside the rest of the UK in saluting the courageous men and women who serve, or have served, in our Armed Forces. This week, from the Royal Navy and British Army to the Royal Air Force, is dedicated to recognising the sacrifices, commitment...

Read more