Two students set to join the Army from Burnley military training college

Evolve Military College’s Burnley campus launched last summer to bridge the gap between young people leaving traditional education and starting military training. The campus was opened after the company’s success in Bury.

Edgar Murray is one of the first intake of students to sit the full time course. After living in France for most of his life, he needed to improve both his confidence and his fitness levels. He excelled at Evolve, taking the role of Commander on team tasks. He now hopes to join the Parachute Regiment.

Fellow student Joel Fallows has always wanted to serve his country, and his time at Evolve saw him grow in confidence, resilience and teamwork, as well as excelling in PE, gaining the fittest student on course award.

Joel will now start an apprenticeship in vehicle mechanic before joining the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) as a motor mechanic.

Edgar said: “Working with Evolve Military College has been an incredible - and life changing – experience. The programme has built my confidence and physical condition as well as giving me life skills and a clear vision of how I want my future to look. It also helped me prepare for moving away and the tools I needed to start my training.”

The pair marked the completion of the course at a passing out parade attended by representatives from Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force recruiting centres, as well as senior armed forces veterans, youth service teams and their families. They will now start their basic foundation training at Harrogate.

Situated on Athletic Street, the new training centre comprises of a completely refurbished facility with classrooms and exercise areas, as well as state of the art technology, to open up opportunities for young people in the area. It was officially opened by The Worshipful the Mayor Councillor Anne Kelly and the Consort Mr John Kelly.

The company was launched in Bury 2017 by ex-Royal Marine Andy Emmett, who recognised a clear gap in the market for a programme that helps prepare young people to mentally prepare for leaving home for the first time when they join up.

The centre is staffed entirely by former military personnel and provides a robust, free of charge course lasting up to 26 weeks, to give 16-24 year olds the foundations and basic skills required a military career.

An alternative route to higher education, it embraces military values and standards and covers a range of units including Military Knowledge, Fitness and Mental Strength and various qualifications.

Joel said: “I’d encourage anyone who is thinking about a career in the armed forces to speak to the team at Evolve Military College. It is honestly the best thing I ever did and I know I have made some friends for life.”