Passing Out Celebration at Merrist Wood College.

Suzanne and I enjoyed a lovely afternoon at Merrist Wood College where a number of their students at both Level 2 and Level 3 were celebrating completing their courses in Uniformed Protective Services. The day included friendly competition between the various Activate Learning colleges that teach the course with both tug-of-war and mock gun assembly assault courses. After a lunch break, Gary Headland, CEO of Activate Learning, Suzanne and I were able to meet the students who lined up in front of their parents, families and friends. I was very impressed by the confidence that the students displayed and the fact that most of them were interested in pursuing a career in public service having fully enjoyed the course they had been studying. I was able to give a short speech providing them with some advice as they look towards their future studies and careers. I left them with my favourite piece of advice, which is a quote from arguably the best boxer of all time, Muhammed Ali, which simply says:- Don’t Count The Days, Make The Days Count. Something I try and remember!

Uniformed protective services are crucial in the UK for many reasons including upholding law and order, emergency response, national defence,  community safety, upholding human rights, promoting equality and diversity; and for the high level of discipline and professionalism that is necessary to maintain public trust and credibility. Clearly the course had instilled in the students many of the necessary qualities they will need but more importantly had lifted their sights as to future rewarding careers.

You can read my speech HERE.