Junior soliders stride towards new careers after graduation

The parade formed up in front of family and friends

The college in Penny Pot Lane, Harrogate runs two types of course, a 42-week long course and a shorter 22-week course, both of which train junior soldiers destined for a wide variety of Army careers.

The Junior Soldiers on the longer 42-week course marched off the square to the second phase of their training in the Infantry, Royal Artillery, Royal Armoured Corps and Royal Logistic Corps.

While a company of Junior Soldiers on the shorter 22-week course headed for the longer more specialist phase of their training which could include becoming a vehicle mechanic with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer or a communications systems operator with the Royal Signals.

The graduation parade at Uniacke Barracks was the finale and thousands of relatives and friends watched the Junior Soldiers pass off the square.

Some of the Junior Soldiers from Cambrai company, who have undertaken the shorter course, will have had the opportunity to achieve a City and Guilds apprenticeship for Information Technology users at Level two, incorporating Functional Skills.

While the Junior Soldiers from Alamein, Burma and Peninsula Companies on the longer course will have been able to gain Non-Vocational Qualifications such as English, Maths and ICT as well as driver theory training. Many have also achieved a Duke of Edinburgh award.

Lieutenant Colonel William Strickland OBE, the College’s Commanding Officer said: “Eleven months ago the men and women of Alamein, Burma and Peninsula Companies embarked upon this journey and they were joined 6 months ago by Cambrai Company.

“It has been long and hard, and sometimes emotional. I congratulate all of the Junior Soldiers and their instructors on a job very well done. The majority proved equal to the test, and they are the future of the British Army.

“We are proud of their achievements and we are looking forward to their bright futures.”

Junior Soldiers work on their leadership and team skills as part of the College’s personal and team development package. They have undertaken a number of adventurous training activities, as well as physical and mental challenges, culminating in a 30-hour challenge patrol across the Yorkshire Dales. The students have also had the opportunity to sample a wide variety of sports promoting fitness and agility.