Public Services Students Taste Military Life!

Uniformed Public Services students had a fantastic experience on their four-day Army work experience visit to Altcar Training Camp near Liverpool last month, accompanied by Public Services tutors James Simpkin and Steve Wilson.

Throughout the visit, students took part in a range of practical military activities designed to develop teamwork, discipline, and fieldcraft skills. Camouflage and concealment exercises challenged students to effectively blend into natural surroundings, reducing visibility and avoiding detection. Whilst section attacks and manoeuvres involved working as small tactical teams to advance, communicate, and respond to simulated enemy positions while maintaining coordination and control under pressure.

A particular highlight was the night stalk exercise, where students attempted to outmanoeuvre serving soldiers by crawling undetected across sand dunes to reach a base without being spotted – testing patience, stealth, and nerve in challenging low-visibility conditions.

As well as the field exercises, students also gained valuable insight into the wide range of roles available within the British Army, learning about career pathways and specialist opportunities. They also had the chance to meet and make friends with students from other colleges, sharing the experience and working together throughout the week.

James Simpkin, Uniformed Public Services tutor said, “This trip was a highly enjoyable and memorable four days, with students developing new skills, gaining confidence, and having a great time throughout the experience.”

Find out more about Public Services at Craven College – applications for September still being taken!