Fly High with Carlisle Air Cadets
The Carlisle Air Cadets can offer unprecedented opportunities for those who want to aim a little higher.
For young people who dream of taking to the skies and not just on a computer screen, the Carlisle Air Cadets are making this a reality; in the process providing them with imperative life skills and a stand out CV. The 1862 (City of Carlisle)Squadron, Air Training Corps is a voluntary youth group, part of the the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and they are on a recruitment drive, encouraging 12 to 16 year olds to get involved and make the most of the boundless opportunities being offered on their doorstep.
As a member of the Air Cadets, young people have a number of doors opened to them. They receive a wide variety of extensive training in leadership and adventure. They can work towards a BTEC in Aviation and will achieve a qualification in First Aid within the first month. There are also a huge amount of sporting opportunities on offer, with cadets representing county and even national teams.
Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Stuart Gorman was a cadet for six years before going to university to study Aeronautical Engineering. Once back on ‘Civi street’ he missed the buzz of the RAF and returned to the Air Cadet squadron he had once frequented, taking up command in 2015.
Stuart said: “We are not a military recruitment agency, only 5% of all cadets nationally go on to join a military organisation”
“It’s about learning life skills, bringing young people out of their shells and helping them to learn about themselves. By the time they are applying for university, apprenticeships or their first job, they will have a CV that stands out way above the rest. But also, inspiring a sense of adventure and showing them that they can do that little bit more with their life.”
He added: “We want to make them realise that there is more to life and to give them the confidence to try.”
After the initial ground training, cadets build up to the bigger activities, which is when the excitement really takes off. There are boundless opportunities available to cadets, from attending regular RAF camps and having behind the scenes access at air shows, to representing the North of England in sport and travelling the world to perform with the Air Cadets band. Thanks to sponsorship, one cadet even spent a week in America for just £50.
Many young people are attracted by the prospect of flying an aircraft. And rightly so, if this is something they are are passionate about, the Air Cadets offer a 12 hour scholarship in gliding and following that in a powered aircraft. Cadets have the chance to fly an aircraft single-handedly at the age of just 16 – before they even have a driving licence.
Stuart said: “It is about going out and experiencing things, you don’t need to buy an Xbox to fly a plane.”
He continued: “It’s difficult to get young people to realise but these days the job market is so competitive it’s important to get that CV that stands out above the rest; but also it is incredibly fun and we offer some incredible opportunities for only £2.00 a week. You get so much out of it for what you put in.”
Located just past Kingstown, near Asda, the squadron meets every Monday and Friday 7pm – 9.30pm and Stuart encourages anyone who is interested to give them a call at the squadron or turn up to a session to look around and find out more.
Contact 01228 674559 during Squadron hours to find out more or visit www.carlisleaircadets.org.uk
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