A CREDITON teenager has taken his Oath of Allegiance to join the Army, thanks to a new Further Education Bursary Scheme.
Jamie studied for a Sports BTEC at Exeter College and plans to join the Royal Signals Regiment and train as an electronic warfare operator.
"They told me about the bursary when I came in for an interview at the Exeter Army Careers Office and it sounded like a good deal for me," said Jamie.
"The bursary was very useful to me as a student. It was good to know I had a structured, well-paid career waiting for me when I left college," he added.
"At the end of my two year course I went on the Army selection course at Pirbright in Surrey which I really enjoyed.
"The physical exercises were hard work but good fun and my interview went really well too. I also made some good friends on the course.
"If people are considering joining the Army the bursary gives you more commitment and gives something to aim for, as well the money to help you complete your course."
Major Arthur Norman-Walker, of Exeter Army Careers Office, said: "Jamie is the first of our recruits to come through the new Further Education Bursary Scheme.
"The scheme aims to strengthen the Army's links with the region's Further Education colleges and to provide young people with a route map to a great career with financial sponsorship through their course and a further £1,000 on completion of their 14-week Army Basic Training.
"They have regular contact with Army recruiting officers and come in and do fitness days and various courses with the Army."
The Army offers a wide range of skills, from learning to drive and group management techniques through to NVQs and Modern Apprenticeship qualifications for a variety of jobs.
Careers cover a wide range of professions and skills from chefs to vets, from dentists to police officers, musicians to postal workers, drivers to accountants, linguists to chaplains.
Jamie is the third generation of his family to join the Royal Corps of Signals.
After completing his phase two trade training, Jamie wants to attempt the physically "P" company which will enable him to join the Parachute Signal Squadron, which is part of 6 Air Assault Brigade based in Colchester.
Young people wanting more information on the range of 140 jobs the modern British Army has to offer can visit their local Army Careers Office. For general enquiries, call 0845 7300 111 or log on to http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk">www.armyjobs.mod.uk