“I joined the sea cadets to explore what different opportunities and experiences it could give me. Looking back now, younger me wouldn’t believe how much I’ve been able to achieve in my six years of being a cadet.
“I have been fortunate enough to travel all over the country for courses, events and competitions as well as going to France with the Sea Cadets offshore vessel, TS John Jerwood. Along the way I have met so many people with the same passions and interests as me which helped make even the hardest courses so much fun.
Promotion board
“One of the hardest, yet rewarding, things I have done as a cadet was my Petty Officer Cadet promotion board. I spent a weekend proving that my drill, leadership and instructional skills were of the standard needed to achieve my promotion. It required months of preparation but in the end I not only passed the board but achieved an award for gaining the highest score within my Area for the year.
Highlights of my time in the cadets
“A highlight of my time as a cadet is when I was invited to attend the National Trafalgar Day parade in London as a Cadet Drill Instructor and parade staff. In the build-up to the parade, we spent many hours instructing and practicing various drill and ceremonial routines to ensure everyone knew what they were doing on the day. Being part of the parade and marching past Buckingham Palace was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity that I’m grateful to have experienced.
“Another highlight of mine was being one of 30 Sea Cadets across the UK to be chosen to represent the Corps at Admiralty Arch during The King’s Coronation. Being able to see the coronation procession pass by right in front of me is something I’ll never forget. Cadets from all different cadet forces also led the public down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace to see the Royal Family on the balcony. Watching the footage on TV the next day was amazing.
Learning and developing
“Throughout my time as a cadet I have learnt and developed so many key life skills such as effective communication, teamwork and leadership. I have also gained valuable qualifications that I wouldn’t have been able to get without cadets such as my RYA Powerboat Instructor, RYA Assistant Dinghy Instructor and a Level 2 BTEC in Teamwork and Personal Development. I’m also lucky enough to currently be one of the Lord-Lieutenant Cadets for West Yorkshire which has helped me further increase my confidence and ability to talk to new people.
“Soon I will be turning 18 and I plan on becoming an adult volunteer with the sea cadets. I’ve been given lots of support from the adult volunteers at my unit on how the process will work and what will be different once I’m a staff member. This will make the transition from cadet to cadet volunteer so much easier.
“I can’t wait to see where my career as a volunteer will take me. I’m so grateful that I can continue to help support young people in the sea cadets. It will be fantastic to help make sure that they make the most of the opportunities available, just like I have.”