A FORMER Warrington student who is now a corporal in the RAF returned to his old college to inspire the next generation.
Corporal Callum Farnan was back at Priestley College to talk with this year’s Protective Services cohort and also put them through their paces with some fitness drills.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the tutors at Priestley so it is great to be back at my old college to share my experiences with the students,” said the 26-year-old.
“My tutors always liked the fact I was respectful and had a good attitude and that’s been my main message today. You might not think those things make a difference, but they always get you off on the right foot.”
After college Callum worked in retail and travelled Australia, but never lost sight of his ambition to join the Royal Air Force.
He was one of 5,000 people who apply to become a physical training instructor every year with the RAF and one of only 12 to be awarded a place.
Not only did he pass with flying colours, he was also named “best overall recruit” during the first phase of training.
The former St Gregory’s Catholic High pupil had to demonstrate his determination as he twice failed to pass the vetting procedure to become an RAF physical training instructor.
“The third time I thought if I put in the short-term sacrifice it would lead to a long-term career for me so I left nothing to chance,” he said.
“I replicated all the physical tests in the gym back home and aimed to exceed everything that was asked of me.”
Callum is now based at RAF Cosford as a physical training instructor. After his inspiring talk at Priestley College more students might well be following in his bootsteps.
Protective Services tutor Colin Whittaker, who taught Callum at Priestley eight years ago, said: “I’ve had students stop me to say how inspiring it was to hear from someone who studied at Priestley and went on to secure their ambitions in the RAF.”
