A Loughborough College engineer has seen a lifelong ambition become reality after successfully securing a spot with the Royal Navy.
Alex Martin cannot remember a time when he did not want to join the naval force and began his application process before his sixteenth birthday.
“My dad used to be in the navy and I loved hearing all about his being stationed in the Caribbean, Australia, travelling all over the world. The earliest possible point you can apply is at 15 years nine months, so that’s what I did,” said Alex, who lives in Loughborough and recently completed a course in electrical installation with the College.
“I thought it would be a great skills to have and really enjoyed the hands on learning, not to mention the work experience opportunities with appliances and lighting. Loughborough College has also been fantastic at supporting me throughout my application.”
The rigorous process involved interviews, tests and a range of fitness challenges. “When I passed those I then had to attend a four-day course at HMS Collingwood to give a taster of basic training.
“There were further fitness challenges including circuit training, sprints, pull ups and push ups and a 4km squad run. There were points in that where I wanted to quit but the instructors had said it was about testing us mentally as much as physically and I was determined, so I carried on.
“We also had a ship’s visit to HMS Diamond which was amazing. I got to talk to marine engineers about their role and it was so interesting – I thought, I could be doing this.
“To find out I had been successful was an unbelievable feeling. Now I am heading off to HMS Raleigh for ten weeks’ basic training in fitness, weapons and combat and after that I will have 30 weeks engineering training at HMS Sultan.
“I’ll be gaining so much experience and I am looking forward to working my way up the ranks. They will miss me but my dad, both my parents, are really proud. I am nervous but also so excited. I have wanted this for so long and now it is finally happening.”
Pictured: Loughborough College electrical installation student Alex Martin sees a lifelong dream come true as he successfully secures a spot as an engineer with the Royal Navy