A Shropshire teenager will be delivering vital supplies to British troops on the military front line as part of his new career in the armed forces.
Cameron Jones, 17, from Albrighton, has joined the RAF as a logistics driver after completing his public uniformed services training at Telford College.
The former Idsall School student was initially thinking of a career in the police force, but changed his career pathway during his level two studies.
Cameron said it became clear that the RAF offered exactly what he was looking for – a mix of training, education, and opportunities to travel.
He has already completed his phase one basic training with the RAF in Buckinghamshire, and is now preparing for the next stage, in East Yorkshire
“I’m joining the RAF as a logistics driver,” he said. “I’ve not got any licenses yet, but that’s all part of my training.
“I’ll be delivering heavy bombs, food supplies and spares out into the field, which could be war zones or between camps. It’ll be a challenge, but that’s what I’ve signed up for.
“A year ago I sat down with my course tutors and parents and we talked about my future. I was enjoying college, but it was the right time to begin applying to start my career, and that’s exactly what happened.
“My Telford College tutors prepared me for the process, and I got in first time.”
So, how far ahead is Cameron now looking? “In 10 years I see myself in a civilian role once I’ve had several years in the RAF. I hope to become trained and qualified so I can have a good career once I come out of the services.”
Cameron said the best part of his public uniformed services course at Telford College was his residential trip to PGL Liddington, and his charity project with the National Citizen Service (NCS).
“The sports activities were also good, and the daily drills and circuit training really do get you ready for what it’s like in the RAF, and other services.
“My advice to anyone considering a practical job – one where you’re following systems and processes and doing lots of practical work – is to consider the services, and this public uniformed services course at Telford College.
“The courses have close links with all of the services, and you get to discover which one will suit you best.”
Telford College public uniformed services tutor Archie Walkerdine said: “We wish Cameron all the very best within his future role in the RAF.
“Cameron’s very clear aim of entering the RAF at the end of the course helped him focus and work hard throughout.
“The course is very much about preparing young people for their chosen careers in the public uniformed services, and it is always very satisfying when a student’s ambitions are supported by what we do on a daily basis.”
