Cadet Training

Youngsters aged between 13 and 17 can join the ATC. On joining, and until enrolment, they are given the title 'Junior Cadet' (formerly 'Probationer') as they can go along to most meetings to get a feel for the ATC. Upon enrolment they are permitted to wear uniform after 4 weeks training, and begin working towards their '1st Class Cadet' classification. Once cadets reach 1st Class classification they are able to take part in almost all ATC activities.

From the age of 13, and subject to successfully completing lessons in a number of subjects, Junior Cadets can be enrolled as a Second Class Cadet. Cadets can stay in the corps up until age 20.

All cadets are issued with uniform and must each pay a small amount in Subscriptions (or 'subs' as they are commonly known), usually around £60 per year. The subscription money covers parts of the activities undertaken by the Cadets for example Adventure Training, local camps etc. Each squadron also has to pay a fixed amount to their Wing to which it belongs for each cadet 'on its books'. This is then split between the Wing, Region and Headquarters. Activities such as small and full bore target shooting, flying and gliding are paid for by the Royal Air Force public money.

To be eligible to sit the First Class Cadet examination cadets must be enrolled and must have completed the syllabus for the subjects.

To be eligible to sit the Leading Cadet examinations, a cadet must have been appointed as a First Class Cadet and have completed the appropriate syllabus training.

To be eligible to sit the Senior Cadet examinations, a cadet must have been appointed as a Leading Cadet and have completed the appropriate syllabus training.

Is over the age of 16 years old and has passed the highest level of ATC academic exams (formally Staff Cadet Part 1)

Is a Master Cadet who has passed the Instructor Cadet Instructional Methods (ICIM) Course delivered by The Wing Training Team. This is a skills based qualification, completely independent of the academic syllabus and NOT the next stage up from Master Cadet. A desire to be active in teaching cadets is required. They can wear the yellow lanyard which has been authorised by the WSOTg.

Is a Cadet over the age of 18 years old. Would have been interviewed by the Wing Staff Officer for eligibility/suitabability. Wears NCO Rank Slides with Staff Cadet embroidered on (issued by Wing HQ).

Staff Part 2 qualified cadets- still serving cadets, identified by the yellow lanyard (as picture above shows) but will not classification badge on brassard/armlet. Also completes the Wing organised ICIM course. WSOTg will then arrange for the issue of Master Cadets Badge.

Cadets can also enjoy gaining a BTEC Award these include a First Diploma in Public Services or Aviation Studies and a First Diploma in Performing Arts (Music). These can be achieved whilst carrying out their training in the ATC. These are widely recognised awards in the public sector.

The Squadron regularly takes part in training both of the above courses regularly for all cadets and has the capability to assess cadets on both areas.