Senior NCOs are being urged to trade their berets for mortar boards with an on-the-job graduate programme.
Places are available on the chartered manager degree apprenticeship, which allows students to combine studying with army tasks.
Those making the cut must be in the ranks of sergeant to warrant officer. They will walk away with a batchelor of arts degree awarded by the University of Staffordshire plus a host of other skills for service life. Successful students will also be eligible for membership of the Chartered Management Institute.
Maj James Borthwick (Lancs), who oversees apprenticeship studies at the NCO Academy, said the first group of soldiers were due to graduate in July following the programme launch three years ago. He told Soldier: “The course is designed to fit around army life, but it is not an easy ride.
“Applicants must be committed and there is an expectation they will put in 20 hours of their own time per week as well as occasional residentials.
“But along the way they will pick up new leadership and management expertise. They will also be able to take breaks if they have demands like ops.”
Nearly 300 students are currently studying on the programme. Visit the NCO Academy page on Defence Connect for more details.
