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PRESSRELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATE OF ISSUE: FRIDAY 21 DECEMBER 2012PUBLIC SERVICES STUDENT IS TOP ARMY APPLICANTUniversity Centre Yeovil student Jamie Baker has achieved his childhood ambition and been selected to join theArmy.Jamie (18) of Crewkerne completed a two year Level 3 Uniformed Public Services (UPS) course at Yeovil Collegebefore beginning the Higher National Diploma at the University Centre. He achieved a top A grade during his initialday and half of assessment by the Army, which looked at applicants’ fitness levels, teamworking ability and otherrelevant skills. As one of the top applicants in his group, Jamie has been given priority over other candidates andwill begin his training at the next available opportunity.Jamie said “I’ve wanted to join the Army since I was 7. I originally appliedwhen I was 16, but decided I wanted to go to college first, live a little, meetnew people and get some more life experience. I chose the Armybecause I’m an active person and really wanted to make a positivecontribution to society and explore the world beyond Somerset. I’m reallyglad that I decided to do the UPS course rather than going into the Army at16. It’s been a real eye opener and given me a lot of good traits andconfidence. For example, I learned all about different leadership stylesand gained an insight into how the forces actually work, the incidents theymay be involved with and what goes through people’s heads in differentsituations. If I’d joined at 16, I wouldn’t have met the people I’ve met andlearned the things I have.”Jamie will begin his 28-week training at the Infantry Training Centre,Catterick, in February 2013.Yeovil College Public Services lecturer Andy Herbert has supported Jamie throughout his decision making. Hesaid “Jamie’s is an excellent achievement, especially with the grade he got during the selection process. It’s a realcredit to him as individual, he’s worked hard and deserves his success. He was a keen and enthusiastic studentthroughout his time at Yeovil College and the University Centre, but we’re glad he’s got this opportunity to fulfil hiscareer ambitions. We’re very proud of him and wish him all the best for the future.”Yeovil College has been offering Level 2 and Level 3 courses in Public Services for the past three years, whilestudents began studying for Higher National Certificates (Level 4) and Higher National Diploma (Level 5)qualifications at the University Centre in September 2012. After achieving their qualifications, recent Level 3

students have gained employment with the Armed Forces, NHS and Prison Service, as well as progressing toHigher Education or security-related roles.For more information on Yeovil College and University Centre courses, visit www.yeovil.ac.uk or www.ucy.ac.uk.… ENDSNotes to EditorsAll press enquiries to Eileen Furze, Marketing Officer t: (01935) 845332 e: eileen.furze@yeovil.ac.ukhttp://www.ucy.ac.uk/The UCY is a partnership between Yeovil College, Bournemouth University and the University of Gloucestershire toprovide inspirational learning opportunities within the heart of Somerset. The UCY with its own high quality campusand building is located just off Preston road in Yeovil. Recent investment has allowed the extension of studentfacilities including open access IT area, café and teaching spaces. The building contains 17 teaching rooms, a100-seat lecture theatre, Apple Mac design suite and three state-of-the-art PC suites. UCY students are also ableto use the study and recreational facilities at Yeovil College.