As you may have already seen, we are proposing a new model of National Service for 18-year-olds. This program offers two options:
- A full-time, 12-month military placement.
- Community volunteering one weekend a month, totalling 25 days a year.
This initiative aims to equip young people with valuable real-world skills while contributing to the country and our communities.
I can understand why the news about the new national service scheme may have been concerning, especially for parents. I have to admit the announcement hasn’t been communicated as smoothly as it should have been, and I share your frustration.
To clarify, this isn't conscription, instead, it offers young adults a choice: either a yearlong military training program or civil service one weekend a month for a year. Only a small fraction of 18-year-olds would participate in military training.
Personally, I think giving our young people real-world experience is a great idea. Back in my school days, I did some work experience that really opened my eyes and shaped my early career ideas. I had work experience for a week in year 10 at a company called Termspace, working in the office. However I had a weekend job from the age of 14, I worked at a sandwich factory on the Medway City Estate, the I worked at a Pizza restaurant in Strood (which doesn’t exist anymore) and then the Star Burger in Strood (which is now Ramos). These jobs gave me a taste of the working world, and I loved every bit of it. Therefore, a scheme that would give our young people some real working experience, I know would be positive, and give them a chance to gain the exposure they may not have had without it.
