A military cadet group in a Grantham school is looking for new adult instructors to help it expand.
The Priory Ruskin Academy currently has a thriving and busy 60-strong RAF cadet detachment but is keen to offer Army cadetship alongside its current activities.
For that, the school wants to recruit new adult volunteer instructors, explains School Staff Instructor Neil Day, who won an award at South Kesteven District Council’s Community Awards for his work building up cadet numbers.
With air cadets and combined cadet forces across the district, his is a plea shared by all groups across South Kesteven
Neil said: “We want to do even more for our pupils and for that we need more volunteer instructors to come on board to help. You don’t have to have a military background and our civilian volunteers come from all walks of life.
“Being a cadet instructor is extremely rewarding. It’s an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to a young person’s life. Building their confidence as they learn new skills, leadership and teamwork. They get first aid and lifesaving skills and fitness coaching with weekend camps and half term and school holiday activities.
“We have taken cadets to museums, RAF stations, gliding, spent time learning campcraft skills and delivering adventurous training at our annual spring and summer camps. We have also taken cadets to London where they were able to sleep aboard HMS Belfast and visit various locations in the capital.
“It’s been proven that cadetship opens the door to lifelong skills, improved employability and enhanced careers. We just need people to help us expand those benefits for our pupils.”
As evidence of how much cadets benefit from their training, one pupil supported Neil’s award nomination, saying; “Cadets has been one of the best parts of school. I’ve had opportunities I never expected. It has helped me become more confident and independent. I’ve been promoted and learned real leadership skills: taking responsibility, working as a team and staying calm under pressure.”
As a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder, SKDC is keen to support cadet groups.
