Students from the latest Pembrokeshire College Army Preparation course received their certificates recently at an award presentation held at the college. During the ceremony, staff from the college were joined by representatives from the Army Careers Office, Careers Wales West, Job Centre Plus, and ELWa, who all work in partnership to ensure the success of the course which prepares young people for the rigorous army recruitment process. "The Army Prep programme at Pembrokeshire College is one of the best in Wales," said Major Stewart, of the Army Careers Office, "and this particular course has been the most successful so far. Of the 31 people that enrolled, 26 have completed the course and 19 have already passed army recruitment selection." The 13-week programme includes a one week residential course, plus a variety of physical activities to help raise fitness, including hill walking, orienteering, outdoor survival skills, assault course challenges and other physical training. Students also learn about the theory of physical fitness and receive help to improve their IT, communication and interview skills. Certificates were presented to the students by assistant college principal, Sharron Lusher. There were also a number of special awards made, including a prize for top student and best male student, which went to Liam Jackson from Milford Haven. "Liam has shown very strong leadership qualities," commented course tutor Andrew Desborough. "Following his success on this course, he will now join the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers regiment as a mechanic." The award for the best female student went to Charlene Jenkins and the prize for the most improved student was awarded jointly to Dean Tilley and Andrew Skipper. There was also a special prize of a rugby ball presented to student Peter Hillier. "The success of this course is an excellent example of how Pembrokeshire College can help students to achieve their goals," said Sharron Lusher. "The British Army needs people who are courageous, physically fit, and who have excellent teamwork and communication skills. The Army Preparation course prepares students for this challenge and, in addition, teaches them an important lesson about the scope of their abilities and what can be achieved through hard work and determination." For information about the next Army Preparation course at Pembrokeshire College, call Admissions on 0800 716 236 or visit the college website http://www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk">www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk. The next course will include a 'look at life' week at Brawdy, courtesy of 14 Signals, with plenty of physical training, presentations from the units, and a close look at all of the equipment available. There will also be a further 'look at life' week at Crickhowell, with an overnight exercise and army drills, plus a week-long trip to Snowdonia, with hill walking and rock climbing with qualified instructors.