Colonel Villiers Smith, Honorary Colonel of Cumbria Army Cadets, has presented a Penrith Army Cadet with a BTec Level 2 Diploma this week at the Friargate based Detachment.
Cadet Bailey Wilde (17) has been an Army Cadet for four years and been working his way through the training syllabus based in military skill. Once cadets are over 16 years old they are able to register for BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community delivered through the Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation (CVQO).
Cadet Wilde is an outstanding young man who has physical and learning difficulties associated with his Cerebral Palsy.
He worked with great focus over two days to complete the work books required for the accredited award as well as months of hard training and assessment to achieve the practical elements including expedition and navigation.
He was delighted to be awarded his qualification and acknowledged the hard work he had to put in saying, “I found it challenging to complete all the required modules but the content was interesting and I was able to use my experiences to answer the questions asked. I am glad to have achieved this Diploma.”
CVQO have worked with national employers to match skills required in the work environment to optimise Army Cadets training and knowledge base and enhance their employability in the work place. They have studied the different roles in the Armed Forces and the Emergency Services in their local communities and how these job roles impact positively on society.
Captain Diss, the County Qualifications Officer said: “Cadet Wilde had to work over an extended period to complete his work books. He maintained his motivation to ensure he could complete the award and is deservedly proud of his achievement.
“Cumbria Army Cadets have achieved a total of 16 cadets achieving their Award which is fantastic to give them every opportunity in their future career choices. Congratulations to Cadet Wilde and all the other cadets.”
Penrith Detachment Commander SSI Ferguson is currently preparing his cadets for this years Summer Camp, a nine day camp based near Liverpool, including the full range of cadet syllabus activities such as Fieldcraft Exercises, Shooting, Navigation, First Aid, Drill, Sports and Inter Company Competitions.
Army Cadets provide training and development opportunities for young people aged 12 (in Year 8) up to 18 years old through a range of fun and adventurous activities. Detachments across the county will be recruiting from September. For more information check out your local Detachment on www.armycadets.com or contact ACF HQ on 01228 516222. Adult Volunteers are always welcome to support in a range of roles at Detachments. Come and see the opportunities they offer.