A NEW college for teenagers looking to pursue a career in the armed forces has been opened.

The Military Preparation College, based at Balaam Wood Academy in Frankley, near Rubery, opened on Friday, January 16.

The first classes at the college will begin on Monday, (January 26). The programme blends physical fitness training with vocational skills in a unique kind of "active learning" approach.

The average length of course is around 20 weeks before students are ready to either apply to the Armed Forces or progress into further education, training or employment.

Huw Lewis, founder and managing director of the college, said: "Our aim is to engage, motivate and educate young people to achieve excellence for all.

"We know there a lot of young men and women in and around the city who could benefit greatly from our unique course.

"We look forward to helping them achieve their goals.”

In his speech, Colonel Richard Maybery, deputy commander for the Army in the West Midlands, praised the efforts of MPCT in preparing young people for military life.

He said: “The Army is going through a period of significant change with a big increase in Army Reserve recruitment in the next three to four years.

"We constantly need good quality recruits, but we can’t take too much of a risk with our recruits. I’ve been hugely impressed by what I’ve seen."