A UNIVERSITY VIEW

PROVIDING support to mature students as they look to build their education after being in work for many years is one of the key aims of the University of South Wales (USW).

With Armed Forces Day coming up on June 30, the focus will again fall on how USW is supporting those who are returning to learning after a career in the military.

The importance to USW of providing support for exArmed Forces (AF) personnel was first cemented in 2013, by the signing of the AF Covenant, and further enhanced when I was appointed as USW’s Armed Forces Champion.

As a former Royal Engineer, I was able to move into a new career in USW’s School of Psychology after leaving the AF.

USW established the AF Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme in 2015. Through this, I was able to ensure that AF leavers and their families were given the right guidance on the education opportunities available to them.

Although a challenging prospect, as with the majority of mature students, previous experience stands former service personnel in good stead.

The transferable skills that many employers rate as some of the most valuable in future employees – being prepared to meet a challenge; determination; communication skills; performing under pressure; dedicated; adaptable; disciplined; and able to work as part of a team – are there in abundance within the AF community.

As well as providing opportunities to prospective USW students, I have also been actively encouraging other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country, through the Military Education Committee for Wales, to offer a similar support mechanism for ex-AF personnel.

To build on this strategy, USW has worked in partnership with the 160th Infantry and HQ Brigade to highlight the value of signing the AF Covenant, while staff at USW have assisted in developing the Brigade’s higher education engagement strategy.

With Armed Forces Day nearing, I am proud to highlight the success that the AF Covenant has delivered. It’s been a shining example of how close relationships between the military, education, individuals and their families, can lead to continuing success.

■ Ross Hall is an Academic Manager at the University of South Wales and the institution’s Armed Forces Champion