Pupils soar during ‘crisis’ activity

STUDENTS from Macclesfield College took part in a crisis management activity to help train them for a career in the armed forces.

A group of pupils from the college’s BTEC Extended Diploma in Public Services enjoyed a day with members of the RAF.

The youngsters were set a desk-based exercise in which they had to coordinate a mock rescue mission for a crashed Tornado aircraft pilot.

Corporal Gav Gardner and Sergeant Dave Tomkinson from the Armed Forces Careers Office in Stoke came into the college to talk to and help the students.

Under the guidance of the RAF personnel, the students were spilt into teams with differing specific roles. Cpl Gardner and Sgt

each briefed the student teams as the carried out the high pressure challenge, offering practical advice and support in order to make sure the mission was completed as efficiently as possible.

Adrian Webster, from the college, said: “During the exercise they had to learn to utilise their communication and organisational skills while work together as a team to successfully complete the task.

“The activity provided the students with a valuable insight into the role of the armed forces and the skills involved in coordinating and implementing large-scale projects. It will also be a beneficial addition to the pupil’s CVs if they are planning a career in the armed forces in the future.”