Lee Goodwin

Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services

Entry to Uniformed Services – Level 2 Diploma

“The air cadets boosted my passion for joining a service, and College gave me the confidence to grow as a person and develop my social skills in an environment where I felt I could thrive. It’s important to push yourself – you may surprise yourself by how much you can actually achieve.”

At just 17 years old, Lee Goodwin says NEScol has played a pivotal role for him as he begins a career with the Royal Air Force

From a young age Lee was a member of the Air Training Corps, reaching the rank of Corporal. He obtained his bronze flying wings badge following training in the practical and theoretical aspects of flying, enjoying flights in two seater aircraft – even experiencing a touch of aerobatics!

In the fourth year at school Lee enrolled onto the School Links Skills for Work Uniformed Services courses where he spent every Friday at College. Here he was introduced to the Uniformed Services courses in an environment which he found very different to school.

“I was treated like an adult,” he said, “and for me, College was a better place to learn. It was more relaxed, calmer which is why I decided to leave school as soon as I could.”

Lee left school as an exceptional entrant* at 15 and enrolled onto the Entry to Uniformed Services course, applying to the RAF at the same time.
*Exceptional entry allows young people whose 16th birthday falls between October and the end of February to enrol on a full time non-advanced course.

He was surprised how interesting he found the academic side of the course, learning about how all the uniformed services work in unison with each other. During the course Lee improved his physical fitness, losing just over 2 stone in weight which he believes enabled him to pass the fitness test for the RAF. Although he completed his course during lockdown he found the online learning element a positive one and believes this was down to the support from his lecturers and fellow students.

Lee recently joined the RAF as a Logistics Supply specialist and he has successfully passed phase 1 of his training. After completing his basic training his first posting will be in the Falklands.

Apply now for a course in Sport, Fitness and Uniformed Services.