Ryan Mead

The idea that the only way to achieve a great career is through sixth form is just not the case. I studied at College and now work as an Air Ops (Systems) Officer in the RAF. 

Ryan joined Lancaster & Morecambe College in 2017 to study Uniformed Protective Services and loved every minute of his time at LMC, especially the independent and grown-up environment compared to school or sixth form.

I chose LMC because the idea of a strict, school-like sixth form didn’t appeal to me. I wanted a new experience and the chance to meet new people. LMC gave me exactly the opportunity I was looking for, while allowing me to gain a qualification equivalent to three A Levels in a subject area I was genuinely interested in.

During his course, Ryan took part in a range of exciting opportunities, including a funded trip to Poland and several team-building excursions. Activities included hiking, mountain rescue drills and rock climbing, helping him build valuable skills needed for a career in the industry. 

Courses at LMC are designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to progress into employment, with careers embedded throughout each course to help you explore the opportunities available.

I gained vast knowledge of the roles within all emergency services, which helped me think about my future career and what I wanted from it. The course also gave me a great insight into myself, what I was capable of and where my limits lay. It really put all the information about future career opportunities in front of me and, in my case, solidified my career path of joining the military, specifically the RAF.

Since completing his course, Ryan has gone on to become an Air Ops (Systems) Officer in the RAF. The qualification and experiences he gained at LMC helped him progress into the career he wanted, with his proudest achievement being receiving the Queen’s Commission.

The idea that the only way to achieve a great career is through sixth form is just not the case. I studied at College and now work as an Air Ops (Systems) Officer in the RAF. In my role, I use radar systems across the country to monitor UK airspace, ensuring aircraft follow the correct flight plans and air traffic control instructions. If aircraft do not follow instructions, we are responsible for intercepting and interrogating them.

When asked what he would say to someone thinking of studying Uniformed Protective Services, Ryan said:

Take that jump from school to college and enjoy all the experiences and opportunities that are offered to you. Everyone really enjoyed the course when I attended and it sets you up for so many great careers.