Eight ‘troops’ from West Nottinghamshire College enjoyed victory on the battlefield after coping with bomb disposal and emergency incidents, among other challenges.

They formed a college team for The Army Engagement Team’s inter-college challenge, which exposed students to life on a working Army camp and provided an opportunity to interact with soldiers at a mini military village.

At the Polar Bear Challenge, Thor Smith, Cam Hopkinson, Harry Fretwell, Fiona Goodwin, Sav Kamienowski, Marianna Bule, Kayla Gilberthorpe and Jack Mellors competed against Derby College, Loughborough College, Brooksby Melton College, and the Military Preparation College, Nottingham, with student troops involved in intense training of military tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Uniformed protective services learners were exposed to scenarios that tested the knowledge they are being taught at the college and Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell.

The tasks included bomb disposal, undertaking command tasks, and scaling the climbing wall physical challenge. Troops also had to respond to an emergency incident involving an unconscious casualty and perform CPR.

At the military village they had the chance to improve their marksmanship on an indoor shooting range.

Marianna, who would like to become a police officer and become an Army reservist, said: “It was an amazing experience. It allowed us to improve our teamwork and leadership skills, while getting stuck into activities that we are passionate about and that are relevant to our future careers.

“Everyone was determined to win and did their best in every challenge by being resilient and actively taking part.

“Things went wrong at times, but the team got back together and re-evaluated the situation to improve and excel the second time. It has given me an insight of what life in the Army is like from the experiences that the serving soldiers and reservists told us.”

Chetwynd Barracks’ Engagement Youth Warrant Officer class 2 Wayne Hall said: “These students had a lot to live up to as the West Notts team was the reigning champion from 2023.

“They worked as a close team with good communication and leadership skills. Fiona demonstrated strong leadership qualities.

“It was great to see these students again. They are a credit to the college and their teacher, Sam Fallows.”