Lewis secured his dream career in the British Army

A public uniformed services student from Telford College says he is ‘over the moon’ after being accepted into the British Army.

Lewis Speed has completed a level three course at the college’s Wellington campus, which is designed to prepare students for jobs in the armed or emergency services.

The former Telford Park School student has been accepted as a junior sergeant after completing the army’s rigorous selection process.  

“I’m over the moon. I can’t wait to start – this is everything I’ve wanted to do,” he said.

“I’m going to study at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, where I hope to eventually progress and train as a vehicle mechanic in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

“My friends had originally studied public uniformed services at Telford College, it was definitely something I was interested in. I visited the college at an open event and, after looking around and speaking to staff, I knew it was the course for me.

“I learnt a lot more about the army and the careers that are available to me in the forces. I really enjoyed the physical side of my studies too; I felt it prepared me well for my training.”

He added: “The tutors on my course motivated me throughout my studies, they’ve really helped prepare me for the physical element of joining the army. I’ve made so many friends here too.”

Craig Stockman, public uniformed services lecturer at Telford College, described Lewis as ‘an excellent student who engaged in all aspects of the course’.

“We are very proud that he has successfully completed the selection process for the British Army. It is a fantastic opportunity to gain a top-class qualification whilst being paid over £26,000 per year.

“The public uniformed services course gives learners the chance to be exposed to all the career options available in the uniformed services. Joining the services provides young people with the possibility to join the biggest and best apprenticeship provider in the country.”