Council grant helps ex-Marine help others
A former Royal Marines Commando from Andover is targeting secondary schools in Test Valley, offering life skills to pupils who would benefit from his experience and training.
Apex Commando is the business brain-child of Dean Kirk, who offers a ten-week programme direct to secondary schools for disaffected pupils who have behavioural issues and/or lack confidence.
Dean’s ambition is to use the Commando training mentality and dedication to motivate students who have been, or are at risk of, being excluded as well as those who are disruptive in class. In addition, he aspires to train both teachers and pupils in nutrition; health and first aid; social media and bullying; career aspiration; substance abuse and crime.
He can also call on the expertise, as required, of former military colleagues, including his brother who is also a former Royal Marine and has worked with the SBS as a special forces communicator.
Councillor Sandra Hawke who presented the Business Incentive Grant to Dean said: “As a former Marine, Dean has a great deal of life experience and specialist skills from which young people would benefit. His military mind-set will really help disengaged pupils and I wish him well for the future.”
Dean said: “I have wanted to set this business up for some time and with Test Valley Borough Council’s help, this is now a reality. Together with my brother Kris, I believe we can really help get young people back on the right track.”
The Council’s Business Incentive Grants are available to anyone looking to set up their own business in Test Valley. Anyone who successfully applies for the grant will receive a grant of £750 if their business is still going strong six months later.