Date started at MPCT 2018 Experience

Ronnie joined MPCT in April 2018 as Regional Operations Manager for the newly established North East region. Since the North East regional launched in July 2018 the region has expanded its geographical footprint encompassing MPC Manchester and MPCT Nottingham and is now known at MPCT North.

Prior to joining MPCT Ronnie worked as a team leader on the Army Instructor Training Accreditation Contract with the Colleges Partnership responsible for the management of a team of teaching development coordinators in the North of England and Brecon who were responsible for delivering of a range of qualifications to Military instructors including teaching qualifications L3 to Level 5, Coaching and Mentoring qualifications Level 3 to Level 5, and Assessment and Quality Assurance Level 3 and 4. Prior to that Ronnie worked as an Apprenticeship Coordinator with the Colleges Partnership at the Infantry Training Centre for 5 years delivering an Apprenticeship programme to Infantry recruits which consisted of a Level 2 Diploma in Uniformed Public Services, ERR, PLTS and Functional Skills Maths and English.

Ronnie has 24 years of Military experience having served as an Infantry soldier from the rank of Guardsman to Warrant Officer Class 1. He has an exemplary military record having been awarded the meritorious service medal (MSM) in 2011. Ronnie has worked as a military instructor at a number of training establishments since 1994 including, ITC Catterick, ATR Glencorse, ATR Bassingbourn and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as a Colour Sergeant Instructor. Ronnie finished the final 6 years of his Military career at the Infantry Training Centre as the Company Sergeant Major Guards Training Company from 2006-2008, Master Coach of the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion from 2008-2009 and Regimental Sergeant Major of the All Arms Drill Wing from 2009-2011. During his service Ronnie completed 4 operational tours of Northern Ireland including a 2 year tour as the Platoon Sergeant of the Close Observation Platoon. He also served in Operation Granby in 1991 and Operation Telic as Company Sergeant Major from 2004-2005.

Ronnie is and sports enthusiast and has competed in recent years for Great Britain in his age group Duathlon. In 2017 he won the Bronze Medal at the National Championships at Oulton Park in the Sprint Duathlon. In 2015 he represented Great Britain at the World Championships in Spain. In 2019 Ronnie completed Ironman Wales on his 50th birthday celebration and this is his greatest sporting achievement to date.

Date started at MPCT 2018 Experience

David joined the Royal Regiment of Wales and started training in July 1995, before joining his unit on operations in Northern Ireland. He then moved to Germany with the unit where they became an Armoured Infantry Bn. They were Stationed there for 7 years during which time he deployed on operations to Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Iraq. He also carried out exercises in Poland and Kenya.

David also represented the Battalion in football taking part in a mini world cup in Holland, and also represented the Battalion in Boxing at Light Heavyweight, David was part of the boxing team that won BAG and Army champions.

David then moved back to Tidworth and again deployed to Iraq on Op Telic 10. David then became a recruiting Sergeant firstly at ACIO Newport and then at the AFCO in Cardiff, where he spent 3 years total during this time worked closely with MPCT.

David is responsible for managing the centre and for supporting the regional operations manager Ronnie.

i loved helping my applicants and working with the children in the schools when I was working in recruiting and wanted to do teaching when I left the Army.

David Huggins

Date started at MPCT 2018 Experience

Joined MPCT in 2018 after a 13 year career in the Coldstream Guards Motor Platoon/Rifle Platoon as a Forward Observer achieving the rank of Platoon Sergeant. Relocated back to Durham before starting work for MPCT in South Shields. Aim for the next year is personal development, getting involved in the new centre South Shields and doing some travelling.

Date started at MPCT 2020 Experience

Leighanne Bell has been teaching Functional Skills for 15 years in various locations such as HMP service and previously worked for City and Guilds as an examiner, marking English exams from Level 1 and Level 2.

Leighanne is married with 3 children; 1 daughter, who has just turned 21 and is training to be a Mental Health Nurse, an 18 year old son, who is training to be a Marine Engineer and a 9 year old son who is in primary school. Leighanne's husband was in the army for 22 years, working in the R.E.M.E as an Avionic Technician on helicopters. He has been in Afghanistan for the past 2 and a half years and now has a job at home as a Lift Engineer.

I enjoy teaching the learners and working alongside my co-workers. Every day is different!

Leighanne Bell

Date started at MPCT July 2021 Experience

I joined the army in 2012 at 17 years of age. I served for 6 years in the Rifles. I completed my AAPTI course and served as a Regimental PTI for 4 years alongside normal soldiering.

When I left the Army I knew health and fitness was the journey I wanted to go on so I started running my own fitness class.

I have an NVQ in personal training and gym instructing. My passion is always to help others. It gives me satisfaction to see my fitness clients achieve their goals.

I spend the majority of my spare time keeping myself fit at the gym. Before Covid hit I had a plan to compete in weightlifting.