Sponsored by the RAF the Air Cadets gives young people hands-on experience of activities and courses that will challenge and develop their skills to help them succeed in whatever they want to do in life.
Joining the air cadets opens up lots of opportunities to take to the skies. They aim to get cadets airborne as often as possible, they can learn to fly a light aircraft (Grob Tutor) or a glider and can even be a passenger on-board RAF aircraft such as a Chinook helicopter.
Through a range of fun and exciting activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, abseiling or mountain biking as well as getting involved in local community projects, cadets can improve self-confidence, develop leadership skills and make friends for life.
Air cadets can also take part in overseas expeditions, learn first aid, as well as have the opportunity to gain recognised vocational qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
In the air cadets, the emphasis is on the following activities:
- flying and gliding
- target shooting
- camps (UK and overseas)
- sports
- music
- STEM
- Duke of Edinburgh Award
- BTEC qualifications
Sense of belonging
Samuel Jones , of 2387 (Pudsey) Squadron, said: “Being in the air cadets has given me a purpose, a sense of belonging and has helped develop me into a stronger individual.
“I’ve also had the amazing opportunity of trying my hand at piloting small light aircraft and gliders!”
Gained qualifications
Samantha Lowes of Read School Combined Cadet Force says: “I’ve learnt so much by being in the air cadets and have also gained qualifications such as the ILM Level 3 leadership and management course and Gold Duke of Edinburgh.
“I’ve made so many friends along the way and have been able to massively build my confidence.”
Opportunities to learn and develop
Callum McGrath of 152 (City of Hull) Squadron says: “I have been given so many opportunities to learn and develop as an individual. Since joining I’ve been able to achieve qualifications and undergo experiences that I couldn’t have anywhere else, all thanks to the Air Cadets. My favourite was passing the the Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course.”