1st November 2018
An exhilarated group of both Armed Forces Preparation and Uniform Public Services students recently welcomed the visit of ‘The Wildcat’ helicopter to South Devon College.
Watching in awe the £28 million state-of-the-art multi role chopper swooped in over their heads to then be carefully marshalled for landing in the middle of the sports pitch at Vantage Point Campus, Paignton. Students raced across to greet the helpful crew from the Exeter University Officers Training Corps (EUOTC) and learn more about the hugely impressive aircraft.
Organised by the Army Air Corp and the EUOTC as part of the University Centre South Devon’s (UCSD) links with Exeter University, students were treated to an hour long presentation from EUOTC’s Rachael Robb, providing an insight into the experiences of serving in the Army and discussing the various future career opportunities available for our passionate students.
Uniformed Public Services Lecturer Shaun Aston said, “The visit of the EUOTC team provides our students with a great opportunity to see upfront the impressive Wildcat helicopter aircraft used by both the Army and Royal Navy. From their visit, our students have received expert advice and guidance from the team, with their presentation helping to expand the student’s knowledge of the various regiments and future career pathways available in the armed forces”.
Armed Forces Preparation student Sian Beighton
Student Sian Beighton (16 from Paignton) who helped marshal the Wildcat’s landing said, “It’s been great to have this opportunity to meet the crew and ask them loads of questions. The experience has been amazing, one day I want to join the Army Air Corp and travel the world”.
Students are given the opportunity to join the Exeter University Officers Training Corps (EUOTC) learning both transferable and practical skills. After successfully gaining enrolment, students will participate in drills and exercises with the EUOTC helping to open doors for a future in career in the Army.
To find out more about wide variety of courses the College offers from apprenticeships to full-time courses or university degrees, visit our next Open Evening on Wednesday 21st November, 4pm-7pm at the Vantage Point Campus, Long Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EJ. Alternatively, you can call our Helpzone team on 08000 380 123 or email [email protected].
For more information about this story please contact Guy Marsden, Marketing & Communications Officer at [email protected] or on 01803 540563.