SkillForce’s greatest asset and defining strength is its team of Instructors, most of whom have served their country in the Armed Forces and are now committed to serving their communities as mentors and coaches for the next generation.
“Today’s Armed Forces use cutting edge technology to its very limits … Service leavers have unrivalled experience and excellent personal qualities. They have been tested in highly demanding and pressurised situations and are used to taking responsibility for their actions and getting things done first time. Service leavers are quick to learn, picking up new skills and adapting to new circumstances with ease. They are self-disciplined and motivated problem-solvers who will get a task done, whatever it takes.”
Ministry of Defence
As the above quotation illustrates, this background provides our Instructors with exceptional preparation for their task at SkillForce. In particular, our Instructors are able to offer …
- Experience
Our instructors possess a wealth of life experience which enables them to embrace fresh challenges confidently and wisely. They are proven team-players with a ‘can-do’ attitude who are used to decision-making, motivating others and reflecting on practice. - Learning
Our instructors bring with them former training as well as the specific qualifications required to undertake their roles within SkillForce. All are cleared through Enhanced DBS Disclosure and are trained in First Aid. - Values
Our instructors are grounded in the core values and ethos of the Forces – courage, dedication, dependability, discipline, loyalty, resilience, respect and selflessness. We believe that these are the fundamentals for human flourishing and responsible citizenship. -
Example
Our instructors recognise the importance of providing young people with positive role models who can serve as mentors and exemplars – not only to encourage and advise, but also to help them to aspire and achieve. -
Approach
Our instructors work alongside teachers and other educators in the interests of the students. Through mentoring and activity-based learning within the classroom and off-site, they work alongside young people to build self-esteem and raise achievement.
Good to know:
Our instructor induction training covers instructional techniques, safeguarding/child protection, health and safety, equality and diversity, teaching and learning standards, SkillForce programmes and mentoring.
