Inspiration in Education nominee – Military Preparation College for Training Stoke-on-Trent

Inspiration in Education nominee – Military Preparation College for Training Stoke-on-Trent

A Stoke-on-Trent college prepares teenagers for a career in the armed forces and improves their life skills, self-confidence and physical fitness along the way.

Military Preparation College for Training (MPCT) Stoke-on-Trent in Anchor Road, Longton has been working with 16 to 19-year-olds for nearly five years.

All of the instructors are ex-Armed Forces, including centre manager Ste Smith for left the military in 2017 and took up his current role four years later.

He said: “After I left the military I struggled in finding a purpose myself, so I really do have empathy for young adults out there who are perhaps struggling or have a lack of focus.

“Working at MPCT has given me that purpose and whilst working here I have seen changes, first hand, in hundreds of our learners.

“Our aim is to support our students on their military journey and whilst they do enter other services the military makes up 99% of student progression.

“We help and train them and we put them under controlled pressure through activities such as team-building, leadership and volunteering. It’s fantastic to see them grow as young adults, learn new skills and make a positive contribution towards the community.

“We also plan and host a number of charity events throughout the year and our students will often give up their evenings and weekends to volunteer too.”

MPCT’s programme is free and has a heavy military focus and context.

Instructors aim to get the best of out their students with an approach that is active, fun and develops the student’s physical fitness and self-confidence alongside key skills. Students take part in monthly careers education sessions supported by military and civilian recruiters and employers.

MPCT Stoke-on-Trent has been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards 2025 by Councillor Lynn Watkins, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.