A KINGSWINFORD man has sailed through ten tough weeks of training to join the Royal Navy.

Trainee engineering technician Alex Schofield, 22, has completed his basic training at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall after joining the service in March.

He passed the intensive ten-week course and says he joined the Navy for a worthwhile career, to travel the world and to make lifelong friends.

Alex said: “Training has been tough but rewarding. The ten weeks of effort and determination can result in a lifetime of memories.”

The highlights of Alex’s training included the military team-building exercise on the Rame Peninsular in Cornwall when recruits are tested on their endurance, map-reading and navigation skills.

He also enjoyed training on HMS Raleigh’s multi-million pound damage repair instructional unit, which teaches sailors how to deal with floods at sea.

Named HMS Havoc, the compartments on the simulator fill with water and sailors are expected to stop the inrush of water using blocks of soft wood, which expand to fill the gaps in the hull.

With the first stage of his training complete, Alex will transfer to HMS Collingwood in Hampshire.

There, during a five-month course, he will learn about the Navy's weapons systems, safety procedures, electrical and electronic repair techniques and the basics of hydraulics and pneumatics.

Details of career opportunities within the Royal Navy are available online at www.royalnavy.mod.uk or by calling the Recruitment Line on 03456 005302.