Recognised Qualification's

As great as the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO) looks on your CV when applying for a job and even better when telling your interviewer all the incredible things you have achieved. On paper its harder for an employer to understand what you have done, but luckily the ACO working with CVQO and the Duke of Edinburgh award you can gain a few different qualifications open to cadets and even to staff.

I have been very fortunate, I have been able to achieve 8 civilian recognised qualifications, those being:

• BTEC in aviation studies
• BTEC in public services
• BTEC in music
• ILM in teamwork and leadership
• ILM in leadership and management
• Duke of Edinburgh awards bronze, silver and gold. <-The RAF love DofE 

Some of the courses have changed names since I did mine, but they have been great to add to the CV.

Before completing some of these qualifications I was in 2 minds, especially if the qualification wasn't completed within the time period you could face some charges (not sure if its the same now). But I am glad I did do them in the end, there wasn't a lot of work to do as much of the work had already been done, such as camps and NCO courses etc. 

All of the BTEC's and ILM's had work books (except the aviation studies as its apart of the cadet syllabus) these didn't take long to complete and are very straight forward. Could easily be done over one weekend!

I fully recommend to do as many as possible as it will help with any job you apply for, whether its civilian or in the military. It may even help you go through the promotion ladder faster.

RISE- ATC Values

This is one of my favorite things about the cadets, as an organisation we are here to develop young people, and imprint our values on all our members. These values I believe should not be just at the squadron they are life values that everyone needs to follow.

What are the ATC values?

The Corps' values are:

Respect

Integrity

Service

Excellence

Or for short RISE, to help you remember. there is another value which is the nonofficial value called leadership. The Royal Air Force also follows these values, so if you are joining the RAF knowing them will help you on your selection process.

Whats does each value mean?

Respect- You need to show respect to others, the environment, property and most importantly your self! You know how you want to be treated, so use that as the standard in which you act.

Integrity- Integrity is about doing the right thing, whether that's sticking up for a friend or telling the truth about what happened in a situation. Don't be the one to stand back and watch then afterwards wish you had stepped in. Do the right thing!

Service- Service can be interpreted as helping others and the community. or representing your squadron, wing or the Corps.

Excellence- Is doing the best you can possibly do! You should give 100% in everything you do. Don't coarse your way through life, put as much as you possibly can.

I'm hoping this short blog may inspire you in life and to be a good person.

One of my squadron commanders once said to me, "you will enjoy life the most out side your comfort zone and looking for challenges that will do this!"

A last tip I use the values in situations especially at the squadron, for example if cadets are late or unprepared, I would say its a lack of respect and doesn't show they are trying their best. It works great psychologically.