Career Decisions!

As we are now firmly right in the middle of this current economic depression or recession or whatever title or spin the politicians want to give to it. I am reminded of an earlier period of very little production coming out of the work place. The mid 1970's, Britain was in the midst of a three day working week, millions unemployed and power cuts. It was during this slump that I was preparing to leave school and venture out into the big wide world (or at least my part of it). With the employment prospects not looking too good, I mean who would employ a spotty nosed 16 year old with no experience when they had the choice of millions of skilled workers looking for work?

Back then the only people that went on to further education were those from families that could afford to pay for that education, which ruled me out then. My family was very working class, 5 children and very little money. During my last year of school I figured my best option was in leaving home and joining the armed forces. After talking it over with my parents, those aged under 18 had to have the written permission of their parents or guardian before legally being able to become a soldier, sailor or airman (or woman).

I successfully passed the first few tests at a local recruitment office and the next stage required my going on a three day selection course, still only 15 years old this was a great adventure for me, I had been away from home camping or whatever before, but this was different, now I would be learning a few of the basic skills and more importantly if I would be suited for the army. This was my chance to impress show I had the makings of becoming a soldier as well as learning a trade. After completing the many demanding tasks we were set, some physically and others mentally challenging at the end of the three days I had fulfilled the necessary requirements and secured myself a place at the Army Apprentice College, to learn to become an army chef starting the following September. As this was only the October I had a long eleven months to complete my schooling and as I wasn't 16 until the July I couldn't leave school until then anyway.

As my classmates were going on careers advice lectures and going through the rigmarole of job interviews and various other placements and was able to relax in the knowledge that my future was secure at least for now.

By the next Easter about 5 or 6 others had also found themselves in similar situations to me, awaiting a place into one or another of the forces. None of us would go to the same place so once we were on that train and heading off to join up we were each on our own.

One of my classmates who decided against going into the forces had an older brother; he had joined the army the previous September. This brother had returned home after a couple of months. He had quit, as he was older and bigger than each of us potential new recruits he did his best to put us off. If I couldn't hack it, what hope is there for you lot?

You'll never make it through basic training. Despite his words of encouragement I stuck with my plan and continued on with my schooling, taking my exams as they came along and eventually finishing school, the last day of the term was my 16^th birthday, a great way to finish one chapter of my life. Before embarking on the next one.