For starters there's the 
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Leadership training
As you become more experienced as a cadet you'll take on extra responsibilities and have further opportunities to develop your self-confidence and leadership skills. Formal leadership training is provided at the following three levels - they'll test your mettle but this is where you can really get noticed!
- Wing and Regional Leadership Courses
Typically two or three days long, aimed at training potential Junior NCOs (Corporals) and Senior NCOs (Sergeants and above). This will sort out the natural leaders and if that includes you, you could improve your rank. - Cadet Leadership Courses
There are three sets of Cadet Leadership Courses, which are aimed at 16 and 17 year olds. Each course lasts a week and ends with the award of the Cadet Leadership Badge if completed. The Army Cadet Force (ACF) runs three courses over the Easter period at Nesscliff in Shropshire and three courses in July at Frimley Park in Surrey. Sea Cadets also take part along with Army Cadets, so be ready for some serious competition! The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) runs an Air Cadet Leadership Course at RAF Cranwell each July which is open to air cadets from both the CCF and the ATC. - The Air Cadet Junior Leaders Course
Not for the faint-hearted, the Junior Leaders Course is physically demanding and requires real commitment and determination. The course, which runs from September to Easter, involves nine weekend training camps and an assessment week. A big step up from the Cadet Leadership Courses, the Junior Leaders Course is aimed at older cadets - you must be 17 or older in the year you begin the course. It's also open to Sea Cadets and Army Cadets and culminates in the award of a Level Two Certificate in Team Leadership from the Institute of Leadership and Management. This is the toughest but most rewarding of our leadership courses - make it through and you'll have the makings of a very successful leader...
In addition to those formal leadership courses, we sponsor Personal Awareness Courses at the Joint services Chaplaincy in Hampshire. These courses are aimed at you if you're 16 and over and have demonstrated leadership potential and are designed to develop good citizenship skills. Although they are set against a background of the Christian faith they are open to everyone. A similar course, Leadership for Life is held annually in Scotland.
The challenge of teamwork and leadership is the ultimate test for a cadet and could be the greatest achievement of your time with us. If you aspire to be the best, we'll help you achieve it.
BTEC qualifications
Put your passions into practice. Getting highly skilled in your favourite area of study means that you could end up with a number of widely recognised BTEC qualifications. It'll help you in the future when you're talking to possible employers. They should already be impressed that you've been a cadet, but BTECs will really show them what you're made of. We have a range of vocational qualifications available to you, through either ourselves or the Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation (CVQO) (opens in a new window). Here's a quick overview:
The qualifications
- BTEC Certificate in Aviation Studies (equivalent to 2 GCSEs, A-C grades) - ATC cadets only
Once you achieve the 'Staff Cadet Part 1' training syllabus you're automatically entitled to this qualification without any further work. And it's free to cadets. - BTEC Award in Aviation Studies (equivalent to 1 GCSE, A-C grade)
You're eligible for this once you've completed 'First Class' and 'Leading Cadet' training. There is a registration fee for this award. - BTEC First Diploma in Public Services (equivalent to 4 GCSEs, A-C grades)
This internationally respected qualification mixes theory and practical elements with an emphasis on leadership, teamwork, communications, problem solving and fitness. Improving your life skills, the syllabus includes professional CV preparation, interviewing techniques, communication, first aid, adventure training, health and nutrition. Most of the content is covered by activities you'll be doing normally, and you also complete an additional project and workbook. Plus, it's free to if you're between 16 and 19 years old! - BTEC First Diploma in Music (equivalent to 4 GCSEs, A-C grades)
This course helps you develop a basic understanding of music as a profession, and combines both technical skills with practical elements and research. By the time you finish, you'll have demonstrated an understanding of all aspects of performance, including solo and ensemble work and how to manage rehearsals. You'll also learn how to market, budget, advertise, programme and publicise a music event. You'll be expected to be able to play a musical instrument prior to enrolling n the course, but do not have to be able to read music. This award is also free if you're 16-19 years old. - ILM Certificate in Team Leading - Level 2 - ATC cadets only
The ILM stands for Institute of Leadership and Management, who manage the course. It mixes theory and practical elements with an emphasis on leadership, teamwork and communications and is your first step to being a great manager or leader in the future - it's a valuable award recognised by employers as a real achievement. You have to of graduated from the ACO Junior Leaders Course to do it, but this award is free.
