This month, Amanda Martin MP visited MPCT Portsmouth to see first-hand how targeted, employer-focused provision is delivering positive outcomes for young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Hosted by MPCT, part of Learning Curve Group and a member of the St Martin’s Group, the visit highlighted how practical, locally delivered provision can support young people who are NEET into sustained employment, further education and long-term careers. The visit also reflected the St Martin’s Group’s wider role in enabling policymakers to see first-hand how proven programmes can support young people into employment, training and further education.
Youth disengagement remains a significant national challenge, with policymakers increasingly focused on improving pathways into work and training for young people furthest from the labour market, reflected in the Government’s wider focus on tackling barriers to opportunity through the Milburn Review.
A practical solution delivering outcomes for young people
MPCT delivers a Department for Education funded study programme for young people aged 16+, combining physical preparation, employability skills, personal development and formal qualifications.
Learners attend four days per week alongside an offsite military skills day, combining physical preparation aligned to Armed Forces entry standards with employability, personal development and vocational learning. The programme also includes English and Maths alongside qualifications focused on teamwork, leadership, communication and resilience.
Operating across 40 locations in England and Wales, MPCT provides structured learning and clear progression pathways linked to employment outcomes. Delivery is led by instructors with Armed Forces experience, offering learners strong role models and pastoral support.
During the visit, Amanda Martin MP met learners and staff and heard directly about the impact the programme has had on young people’s confidence, aspirations and future plans.
The Portsmouth provision currently supports 39 learners, with attendance currently standing at 92%, with an achievement and completion rate of 80%.
Supporting progression into employment
A key theme throughout the visit was the importance of linking learning to clear employment outcomes. MPCT combines employability, resilience, teamwork and communication skills with structured progression planning, while tailored support and strong peer communities help learners build confidence and remain engaged in education and training.
Learners are supported towards a range of destinations including employment, further education and careers within the Armed Forces, with progression embedded throughout the programme. MPCT Portsmouth has five key features underpinning successful outcomes for young people include:
At a time when policymakers are seeking effective solutions to youth disengagement, MPCT offers a strong model for supporting young people who are NEET into sustained employment, training and further education.
Steve Morris, Commercial Director at Learning Curve Group, said:
“All the learners and staff at MPCT in Portsmouth were delighted to welcome the local MP, Amanda Martin, to visit our academy. MPCT offers a fantastic and unique training environment for young people looking to start their military career. Throughout our 40 academies nationally we have helped over 6000 young people secure military careers by offering a blend of vocational and skills training, physical activity, military training days, and personal development.”
Delivering impact at a national scale
Beyond Portsmouth, MPCT supports more than 1,000 learners at any one time across 40 centres in England and Wales, with around 1,900 learners enrolled across the year.
Nationally, the programme achieves strong outcomes, with attendance averaging 89% and achievement and completion rates reaching 80%, rising to 88% when including learners who progress early into Armed Forces roles.
This academic year, 428 learners have progressed directly into careers across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF, while learners entering Phase One military training achieve a 92% pass rate, significantly above the national average.
Looking ahead
As policymakers continue to consider solutions to youth disengagement and economic inactivity, MPCT demonstrates how practical, locally delivered provision can help young people who are NEET build confidence, develop skills and progress into sustained employment, training and further education.
With strong evidence of impact both locally and nationally, this programme highlights the value of investing in approaches already delivering measurable outcomes for young people and communities. The challenge now is ensuring that proven models such as MPCT have the capacity and investment needed to reach more young people and deliver even greater impact.