BTEC Success for Northern Ireland Cadets

The success of Northern Ireland’s Tri Service Cadet movement in securing BTEC qualifications in Public Services has been recognised at an Awards ceremony recently in Belfast City Hall.

The internationally respected qualification delivered to cadets via the Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation (CVQO) mixes theory and practical elements with an emphasis on leadership, teamwork, communications, problem solving and fitness. The syllabus includes professional CV preparation, interviewing techniques, communication, first aid, adventure training, health and nutrition.

Cadets were presented their awards by Colonel Sir Donal Keegan KVCO OBE, President of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Northern Ireland and Lord Lieutenant for the City of Londonderry who said;

“Membership of the Cadet movement has always helped young people to acquire a diverse range of practical skills, given them opportunities to develop self-discipline and shown them how to work independently, as part of a team or, indeed, to lead others. Now we are adding to that list of attributes by offering our Cadets the chance to earn independently qualifications which will be off real value to them as they enter college or university or step into the world of work.

Achieving BTEC standard in Public Services is no mean feat, particularly when juggled with school, family and social commitments, but our Cadets have welcomed the challenge and have worked hard to achieve this valuable award. It seems to me that they have achieved the right balance, enjoying the fun and sociability which are at the very heart of Cadet membership, while ensuring that they benefit fully from the opportunities which we set before them.”

Colonel Keegan also recognised the work of the many adult volunteers in the Cadet movement saying, “I also pay tribute to the contribution made by the team of Adult Instructors who work tirelessly to ensure that success of this – and every other – element of Cadet life and of the many families and schools who support Cadet membership. That is team work at its best and these high achieving young people are the result!”