Cadets into Work Initiative

Pictured launching the Cadets into Work Initiative are, from left, Nigel McILwaine, Group Finance and HR Director, Foyle Food Group; Colonel Johnny Rollins MBE, Chief Executive of the Reserve Forces & Cadets Association Northern Ireland and Colonel Paul Shepherd, Commandant 1 (NI) Battalion  Army Cadet Force.

Cadets from the North West are being invited to take part in a unique new initiative specially created to increase their employability and help them find jobs as they ‘graduate’ from cadet membership.

The pilot scheme, sponsored by Foyle Food Group, one of the North West’s largest private sector employers, will be open to cadets aged 15 – 18 from Army Cadet Force detachments based in and around Londonderry.

It has been tailored to help cadets bridge the gap from school to employment and those who complete the intensive one day course will emerge better positioned to show off their skills and personal attributes, while local employers will benefit from the availability of a pool of young people with a strong work ethos, high self esteem … and a determination to make their mark in the workplace.

Announcing support for the scheme, Nigel McIlwaine, Group Finance & HR Director of Foyle Food Group, said, “We are delighted to offer a helping hand to local young people and welcome this exciting new initiative as another platform for us to showcase our organisation’s recruitment ethos, potentially encouraging more applications as vacancies arise.