College students enjoy trip to Army base
Uniformed Services students at Ayrshire College have been given a fascinating insight into Army life, thanks to a week-long trip to Dreghorn’s Territorial Army base.
Students from the College’s campuses in Irvine and Kilmarnock enjoyed a range of activities led by the 251 Transport Squadron of the 154 (Scottish) Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, and supported by B Company 6 Scots, the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry (A Squadron), and the Regimental Support Team in Scotland.
The Level 6 Uniformed Services course is for students who are interested in a career in the uniformed or emergency services. Throughout the year, the students visit various services base locations and hear from guest lecturers, to make sure they’re well informed about the career opportunities available to them.
The trip to the Army Reserves Centre was the first time the College has developed a week-long programme of activities for their students. They took part in drill training, vehicle maintenance, survival first aid, navigation, weapons awareness, camouflage and concealment, night vision training, shelter building, team challenges, and personal fitness tests.
Many of the students are now thinking about signing up as Army Reservists.
Chloe Mcilwraith, 22 from Girvan, said “I’ve had a fantastic week. The things we’ve been shown, and the first-hand experience we’ve had of the different things the Army does, it’s probably been the best experience I’ve ever had. I’ve never experienced anything like this before.
“It’s really opened my eyes to a lot of opportunities that I didn’t know existed. I started the Uniformed Services course because I want to be a paramedic, so I’m now thinking about joining the Reserves to do my medic training through them.”
Gillian Muir, 25 from Kilmarnock, said “I’ve got two children so thought I’d be limited with what I could do, but when I sat down and spoke to them, a lot of them told me how they balance having children and volunteering with the Army Reserves. Everything we’ve done this week has convinced me to join.”
David Malcolm, the Uniformed Services lecturer at Ayrshire College who organised the trip in partnership with the Reserve Centre, said “I could not have asked for more from the experience, the students were afforded a glimpse into army life and every rank from privates up to the senior officers presented a professional image throughout the week, which motivated and engaged the students from start to finish. A thoroughly enjoyable week.”
David Milton, Recruiter for the British Army, said “from an Army perspective this was a great week! The students engaged fully with the course, this was more pleasing as they are now at a point in their careers where they need to decide on their pathway for future employment. This week was geared to advertising the Army within the college but to also to give the students food for thought that there is a career for them if they choose in the Armed Forces either through Regular Service or through their local unit in the Army Reserves.”
23 January 2019
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