CWA student Matthew Ward, has joined other young achievers from across the UK to celebrate completion of his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, in the prestigious setting of St. James’s Palace. Matthew, 18 from March, Cambs received his certificate in the palace’s Throne Room, from the D of E’s patron and founder – HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. The Gold Award Presentation (GAP) is a celebration and recognition of Matthew’s achievements in completing his Gold D of E programme. The GAP is a unique event and a fitting culmination to mark the hard work, determination and perseverance required. Matthew worked tirelessly through the five sections of his D of E programme over number of months to achieve his Gold Award, including an expedition.  Throughout his D of E, Matthew, who is a member of Squadron 1220 Air Training Corps in March, was able to prove himself to be a great team member. Matthew is currently completing a Level 3 Uniformed Services course at CWA’s Wisbech Campus in Wisbech and on its completion plans to join the RAF as a Regiment Gunner. Matthew said of his experience “Uniformed Services has given me more confidence and prepared me physically and mentally for the RAF”. Matthew took as guest, his college course tutor Adrian Kent, as tribute and thanks for his support during his training and completion of his award. Adrian said after the event “Mathew has proven to be an excellent role model student, and it was real privilege to be invited and participate in such a monumental event with him”. Matthew added “Completing the Duke of Edinburgh at any level is extremely rewarding and I really enjoyed the experience.  As I was receiving the Award, all I could think about was how challenging I found it, but how worthwhile it had been. My Uniformed Service course has proved to be a great springboard into the military because of all the formalised fitness training, and studying into various aspects of all the uniformed and public services”.