Locations

Matthew Thacker

Joined: 2020

Matt joined the Army at the age of 17 and was a member of the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (RWF) for 9 years and reached the rank of Corporal. He served in many countries on tours Afghanistan, Falklands, Cyprus, Kenya, and India. His role in the Army was a section Commander, leading his men into battle, and he further completed many gruelling courses whilst in the Army SCBC, Reece Commanders course and Cambrian Patrol. IMatt considers himself lucky enough to also be a Military Co-Ordinator at MPCT Wrexham before he left the Army in 2014.

Matt joined MPCT in 2015 as the Centre Manager in Newport for 4 years where Ihe felt privileged to support many young learners to achieve their ambitions of joining the forces and many others to gain further education or employment.

He was promoted to the Regional Operations Manager South of England Region in 2019 and looks forward to continuing with his long-term career at MPCT.

Matt is currently developing his CPD and enrolled in a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance.

A very keen sportsman, Matt’s favourite sport is football and supports Manchester United. He also loves the great outdoors where he spends most of my time. Matt considers himself a keen family man to his wife, Vicky, and his two children, Honey and Teddy.

Wayne Clark

Joined 2018

Wayne has over 14 years of experience within the Armed Forces and 7 years experience working within in the Outdoor Industry.

He joined The Royal Logistics Corps as a Driver/Radio Operator and his first posting was with 23 Parachute Field Ambulance under 5 Airborne Brigade and completed an operational tour in Kosovo with 1 Para Battle Group. On return to the UK the brigade was changed to 16 Air Assault Brigade and I completed a further 2 operational tours in Sierra Leone and Macedonia.

Wayne's best postings include 2 years working as part of the Silver Stars parachute display team promoting the Army and helping with recruitment, and also working as a Physical Training Instructor at Army Training Regiment Winchester. At ATR(W) Wayne gained high job satisfaction from helping the recruits develop into a fully trained soldier and passing out from phase 1 training.

Highlights of Wayne's career are completing P-Coy and earning the Maroon Beret and completing the jumps course and gaining the Blue Badge of Courage (British Parachute Wings).

Wayne left the Army under the rank of Sergeant, and has now settled in Hampshire and been happily married for 13 years.

He is proactive, approachable and an experienced instructor who gains reward from coaching and mentoring groups of different abilities.

"I look forward to helping the young learners at MPCT achieve their full potential."

~Wayne Clark

Brian Richardson MBE

Joined 2007

After completing 33 years in the Royal Navy as a Physical Training Instructor, Brian joined the Military Preparation College at Portsmouth in 2007.
He assisted the setting up of MPCs in Southampton and Brighton before creating the Isle of Wight MPC in December 2011, where he now works as the Centre Manager.

He is passionate about inspiring and encouraging students to achieve their full potential whilst attending the course, using his well-established style of communication and training methods.
He maintains his good level of personal fitness by training daily, which acts as an excellent role model for his students to emulate.

"It is an honour to be able to teach ’life skills’ to young men and women, seeing their transformation from school child to adulthood. Watching how they develop in mind and body, knowing that they can achieve, if they choose to accept the challenge of becoming an asset to their community."

~Brian Richardson MBE

Amber Eckford

Joined 2021

I joined the Army in 2005 after studying public services at Highbury college for two years, joining the Corps of Royal Engineers training as a Combat Engineer and Plant Fitter (mechanical). I served with the Royal Engineers for 16 years.

During my time in the Corps of Royal Engineers I served in Iraq, Afghanistan and have completed several overseas Exercises in Falkland Island, Kenya and Cyprus.

When I made the decision the leave the Army, I knew I wanted to teach. I completed a Forces specific teacher training course through the University of Portsmouth whilst still serving. This saw me teaching public services at a The Wellington Academy (Tidworth) and South Downs College (Portsmouth) as a volunteer.

When initially leaving the Army, I took employment supporting victims of Domestic abuse, when I saw the MPCT job I knew it was what I wanted to do and why I had completed my teacher training. My passion is helping others and guiding them to the future that they want and deserve.

Catherine Jones

Joined 2021

I am a learning support assistant at MPCT Portsmouth. I have not had any personal military experience, however, I do have some second-hand experience, from my partner who is in the military and personal experience in education, as a private singing tutor .

In 2020, I completed a BSc in Music and Sound Technology and specialised in music education, in my final year. I want to pursue a career in education and this role is a unique way to do that.

I am a vocalist, a pianist and a creative person in general. I have a passion for helping people and I enjoy witnessing the learner’s progression and celebrating their successes.

I am dedicated, patient and kind, which has enabled me to achieve highly in both my personal and professional life. I am ‘walking proof’ that - ‘if you believe them, when they say you can’t, you might never know that you could!’.