University launches HE taster course for injured servicemen

Plymouth University has launched the first HE taster course specifically designed to create skills and career development pathways for injured servicemen and women.

The institution is working with the Naval Service Recovery Pathway, Hasler Company, to provide bespoke programmes for armed forces veterans, offering advice, guidance and skills refreshers.

The project comes at a time when Hasler Company, which is based in Devonport Naval Base, is in the process of becoming the Royal Navy Recovery Pathway, South West service recovery centre accommodating up to 60 personnel living-in, as well as those living at their family home in the locality.

A spokesman for OC Hasler Company said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for those servicemen and women to enter Higher Education. It is with thanks that Plymouth University has given us this opportunity.”

The first programme began in October, with a second to be launched in the New Year. If successful, the number of intakes could be increased, and the model rolled out to other rehabilitation facilities across the country.

Marine Cassidy Little, a medic with 42 Commando Royal Marines, is among the first intake of students to take up the opportunity. Cassidy, 30, had his right leg amputated below the knee after he was injured in Afghanistan. He’s now looking to go to medical school where he hopes to study psychiatry, with a focus on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Cassidy said: “I have to change from being a marine and a medic to a student – and that is not something which is going to happen overnight. But a programme like this allows me to begin that transition – it has given me the fuel; now I need to bring the firewood and matches!

“I’ve given my all to the Royal Marines, and through this programme, they are giving us the chance to have a better life.”

The programme was developed after research by a Plymouth University academic revealed that many of servicemen and women at Hasler Company were unsure of what higher education entailed, and needed help in making more informed decisions.

Wendy Lambert-Heggs, Lecturer in Post Compulsory Education, in the Faculty of Health, Education and Society, said: “The programme provides an opportunity for them to see what is out there in higher education and to help them make a more informed choice about where their future might take them.”

For three mornings each week, those enrolled will work with a personal tutor to develop a personal action plan, assessing where their strengths and development opportunities lie. They will also meet subject matter experts at the University, who will set them tasks as a taster experience to higher level learning.

“These are personnel with skills, experience and with so much to offer society,” Wendy added. “What they need is the opportunity to showcase what they can do.”

Russell Shobrook, Lecturer in Post-16 Education & Mentor Coordinator in the School of Education, said: “This is all about being responsive to the city we serve as well as being a socially responsible provider of education.

“As a University, we can use our resources – including our services such as Disability Assist, Learning Support, and Information, Advice and Guidance – to support and guide our veterans, and provide them with career development and higher education pathways for the future.”