Junior Soldier Olly Shipton graduated from Army Foundation College Harrogate and is set to begin his career with the Royal Artillery.
His achievement continues a proud family tradition of service, with his older brother already serving in the Royal Artillery.
Olly said the opportunity to develop new skills, travel and build a career motivated him to join the Army.
Junior Soldier Olly Shipton graduated from the Army Foundation College Harrogate (AFC(H)) and has begun training with the Royal Artillery, following in the footsteps of his older brother.
The 17-year-old completed his Junior Soldier training at AFC(H), continuing a proud family tradition of service in both the British Army.
While family connections influenced his decision, Olly said joining the Army was also about creating opportunities for himself and developing new skills.
“I wanted to continue the family tradition, but I also wanted to succeed and learn skills that I wouldn’t get in a civilian job.
“The chance to travel the world and build a career was a big attraction.”
Supporting Olly on graduation day was his older brother, Bombardier (Bdr) Louis Shipton, 23, who also trained at AFC(H) before joining the Royal Artillery. He now serves with 32 Regiment Royal Artillery as a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Detachment Commander.
Their shared journey through AFC(H) and into the Royal Artillery reflects the strong family links that continue to inspire young people to pursue a career in the Army.
Speaking after the graduation parade, Olly said celebrating the milestone with his family made the occasion even more meaningful.
“I’m really happy and ready for what’s next. I had my parents and big brother here today. They are super proud and happy to be there for me.”
Reflecting on his time at AFC(H), he described the course as both demanding and rewarding.
“It’s been very good and exciting. The lack of sleep is definitely a downside, but the group of people you meet here and the friendships you build are really good. The pros definitely outweigh the cons.”
Throughout his training, Louis remained a source of support and guidance. Seeing his brother’s career progress in the Royal Artillery helped Olly understand the opportunities available to him.
“Before going to AFC, my brother was someone I would go to for advice regarding my career.
“Now, looking at his progression, it’s great to see what he has achieved and know that I have the potential to progress like he has.”
Olly will join the Royal Artillery after his phase 2 training and hopes to continue to progress like his older brother.
AFC Harrogate is the only Junior Entry Basic Training establishment in the British Army.
The college plays a vital role in providing the basic military training and developing future leadership. It offers a mix of military training, personal development and education for under 19s that provides them skills to succeed in the Armed Forces, and their lives beyond the military.
The most recent Ofsted report rated AFC Harrogate as outstanding while a visit by the Children’s Commissioner and safeguarding authorities earlier this year recognised the culture of care at the college.
The British Army is recruiting right now to fill 10,000 jobs across the UK with more than 200 roles to choose from, covering everything from frontline combat and cyber security to helicopter pilots, chefs and support roles. If you’re aged 16 to 50 and if you want to find out more about a career in the Army, click Army Jobs website.