Stephen Swinn, a student who began his journey with us on the Level 2 Sport course before switching to Level 3 Public Uniformed Services, is now set to start basic training with the British Army.
Stephen found himself struggling to engage and required a lot of support with his behaviour and organisation skills in his first year at Telford College. With an attendance rate of 53% and the mindset of leaving college altogether, he decided to change his course.
Stephen Swinn said: “After deciding sport wasn’t for me, I wasn’t originally going to come back to college, but I’m glad I decided to give it another go after speaking to my family.
My family members have served in various armed forces, so I naturally had an interest in public services.”
Stephen found that he learns better and pays more attention to topics he enjoys. With the Public Uniformed Services course being a 50/50 split between practical and theory-based learning, there is lots to get stuck into.
Straight away, he knew that it was the sector he wanted to work in, and is now set to begin his basic training on the 12th of February, which will last around 28 weeks.
“My teachers, Craig Stockman and Carl Hickman, have been a massive help in terms of making sure my fitness and knowledge are up to the required standards before starting basic training.” Stephen said.
He also said, “If I could give one piece of advice for anyone starting college, it is to never choose a course just because your friends are doing it. You might not speak to those people in a couple of years’ time, but the course you take is going to help you in your future career. Choose something you want to learn about because you’re more likely to enjoy being at college if you do.”
Mel Newbrook, learner manager of Sport and Public Uniformed Services, said, “Stephen originally completed Level 2 Sport even though he struggled with motivation. He asked to come back to do Level 3 Public Uniformed Services and has completely excelled ever since. He is such a different student in terms of attendance and behaviour. We wish him the best of luck in his new venture!”
