I think a list of qualification that cadets can strive for, would be really useful.
From a selfish point of view, my eagerness for my cadet to get their BTEC is because it has external value and would support an application to go onto do further eduction. While the other qualifications are all useful & personally rewarding, the BTEC is the only one that would be looked at as having value if applying to do A-levels or indeed a higher level BTEC at college.
My cadet’s special interest is planes and so this was also the one they were interested in doing. They have actively avoided doing any leadership roles/quals.
They will continue to do their Master Cadet stuff & I might neglect to mention to them that there isn’t a qualification at the end of the rainbow! I’ll keep my fingers crossed not only that something does get sorted but that they do ok in the their GCSEs!
I would suggest they look to get involved in these. Although you’re looking at education opportunities for now, leadership and teamwork stuff is viewed positively in the world of work, plus the benefits of personal development through that journey.
Even if it’s just the PTS on the personal development side and having something to talk about, but the BTEC/ILM(or alternative) etc is a boost for both and is recognisable to employers.
I don’t want to drag the topic off too far, but let me know if you want any info on the leadership stuff.
As a cadet I got quite a few of the external courses. Lowland Leader with the what was Expedition Skills Module, the ILM Level 3, the CVQO BTEC and the BTEC in aviation studies + a few others I can’t remember off the top of my head. The one that really benefitted me was the ILM course, aviation studies didn’t affect anything but my ILM Level 3 was the thing that made me stand out to get onto an apprenticeship and start my career. That I did the learning as a part of ACLC was even better for me as it was much more practical!
I’ve not looked at this much tbh. But please to point me in the right direction. Anything that would help from an employability point of view has value to me!
We’re currently trying to sort out an expedition, so they can finished their Bronze DofE. I’ve chosen not to tell them that the BTEC they are still being told the are completing at squadron doesn’t exist. I’m just praying that the new one comes online in the next year so what they are doing has some value.