Military college preparing young Wiganers for serving on front line

That is where Evolve Military College comes in.

The training provider opened its new centre in the borough a few months ago and, despite the hurdles of getting started in the middle of a pandemic, is hailing its arrival in Wigan as a success.

Evolve, which has several other facilities across the North West, takes young people aged between 16 and 24 and puts them through an armed forces preparation traineeship which it is hoped will get them in the shape needed to join the military.

It costs approximately £48,000 to put a single soldier through basic training and currently the drop-out rate is as high as one in five.

The level required to complete basic training can be an enormous challenge for a school leaver to face.

It is this gap that Evolve aims to bridge, and currently there are 24 young people at the Wigan centre being put through their paces.

Andrew Emmett, managing director of Evolve, said: “We are extremely excited to be able to offer our course to young people in Wigan.

“The students who come through our doors often need guidance to push them in the right direction and to channel their energy in a positive way. They arrive as young kids but complete the course as highly-focused young men and women with a real sense of self-worth and pride in themselves and their community.”

Mark Radcliffe, the Wigan centre manager, said: “Opening the centre in the middle of a pandemic has certainly brought about its challenges.

“However, we’ve managed to successfully run our course, adhering to strict Covid-19 safety measures, to ensure that the young people of Wigan can benefit from this valuable resource.”

Evolve has chosen as its base in the borough a unit at the Cricket Business Park, a short walk from the bus station. The organisation has completely refurbished the building to create learning and exercise areas for its team of staff, who are all former military personnel, to teach the learners.

The qualification lasts for around 24 weeks and introduces the young people to all aspects of military life as well as the skills, standards and values expected of those who wish to serve their country on the front line.

Evolve also ensures all learners have their English and maths qualifications while putting them through physical training and looking at their emotional wellbeing.

Evolve hopes its alternative provision for people who have left mainstream education will improve their prospects of joining the armed forces and ensure their dreams are not shattered by the military’s tough selection process.

For younger students there are full-time and part-time courses to lay the foundations for their future lives and careers, while Evolve also says its course gives transferable and valuable skills to those who ultimately decide going into the forces is not for them.

The new Wigan campus and the course have been given the thumbs-up by some of the first recruits to walk through the doors.

Shayla Flemming has been attending Evolve since August.

The 17-year-old said: “I’ve always been keen to join the military and Evolve is the perfect stepping stone.

“My experience so far has been fantastic. I’ve made some great friends and the staff are extremely supportive, particularly in terms of our mental wellbeing.”

Daniel Linton, 16, said: “My head of year recommended Evolve to me and it’s been amazing. I’ve learnt so much and met some great friends.”

For more information about Evolve or its course ring 0161 5050 460.

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