Forging future leaders: Public Services students take on the great outdoors

Our Uniformed Public Services students recently swapped classrooms for the countryside, embarking on a challenging two-day expedition in the Surrey Hills, designed to test their limits and build skills that will shape their future careers.

From the moment they arrived, students immersed themselves in the essentials of outdoor living. They mastered the use of maps and compasses to chart their course through demanding terrain. Collaboration was key as teams worked together to pitch tents, transforming basic materials into a home for the night. When it came to meals, they embraced the art of outdoor cooking, learning how to prepare food on Trangia stoves, a lesson in both patience and practicality.

As darkness fell, the experience deepened. The group took part in a series of simulated public services activities designed to mirror the real-world challenges faced by those in uniform. These exercises tested endurance, teamwork and problem-solving skills under pressure, all while fostering a spirit of camaraderie that defined the expedition.

Beyond the mud, maps and morale, this wasn’t just an adventure, it was professional development in action. The expedition formed an essential part of their Expedition Skills Unit, giving students a taste of what to expect in their upcoming assessed expeditions. It offered a platform to grow as leaders, communicators and problem-solvers, while also building confidence and resilience in an environment far removed from the classroom.

Charlie, a serving member of the Armed Forces and former Public Services student, perfectly captured the spirit of the experience:

“I volunteer on these expeditions to support the staff and help the students because I saw first-hand how valuable they were for my development. The skills you learn out there, navigation, teamwork, leadership under pressure, they’re not just for the hills; they’re the bedrock of a successful career in the Public Services and beyond. These trips are where you truly discover what you’re capable of.”

This expedition once again proved that learning doesn’t have to happen within four walls. For our Public Services students, it was a transformative journey of discovery, teamwork and growth and a powerful reminder that the path to success is sometimes best found off the beaten track.