Cadet recruitment
Next Open Evening : Thursday, 13th March 2025
To sign up as a cadet you will need to be over twelve years old, and you need to be in Year 8 or later at school at the time you start attending the squadron.
We hold two recruitment open evenings per year, which are usually in March and September. To find out exactly when we are recruiting you can check again here, alternatively you can look at the news tab on this site.
To register your interest now, click here (https://raf.mod.uk) and we'll get in touch with you.
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Squadron staff roles
We are always looking for new members for the team. If you are over 20, self-motivated, organised and enthusiastic and want to join then we would gladly welcome you to the team!
You will need to be able to work on a task alone and as a team, deliver inside of a deadline, and most of all enjoy working with a variety of young adults. As a member of staff you just do as much as you can, whether that's two nights a week, weekend events or maybe even the odd extra night, it's all about how much you can and want to be involved. It's hard work but the rewards are great! Seeing the young children of today succeed and grow from the direct input and guidance from you.
Still interested? Well below are the areas we are looking for. We have squadron staff spaces available. They are challenging roles but are well worth the effort when you see what the cadets get up to, and sometimes you!
Staff roles
All staff will be required to complete an interview with the Officer Commanding and the Wing Staff officer, there's nothing to worry about, it's for us to get to know you and see how we can help you to join the organisation! You will need to complete a DBS check to be cleared to work with young people, this is at no cost to you. If you are interested in any of the roles below, please follow this
link (https://raf.mod.uk) or email the Officer commanding, Flight Lieutenant Shawn Whitehead at
oc.2502@rafac.mod.gov.uk
- Recruitment and Junior Cadet Training Officer: This role requires a well organised individual to plan and set the Junior Cadet training Programme. With support from the Training Officer and the Officer Commanding, you will develop your training team and devise interactive and fun training programmes for the young people just joining the squadron. Within this role you will work with the Media Communications Officer to develop a colourful and eye catching digital recruitment campaign, and manage a recuritment stand at our normal public events. This is a highly demanding role but this all pays off when you see them pass out from their training in a big parade in front of parents and family. This is one of the best roles in the squadron, seeing a young adult grow in confidence, knowledge and start their training to become a leader of the future.
- Squadron Administrative Assistant to the Squadron Adjutant: This role is admin based to help with managing the paperwork that comes with sending cadets on courses and camps. If you could spare a few hours a week on a Monday or Thursday, then this role could be for you. You must have good communication and computer skills, be familiar with word, excel and an internet email system.
- Instructors: We are always on the lookout for current or former: pilots, engineers, Ex forces, enthusiasts, or someone who is natural in training and instruction. We are especially interested in Adventure Training Instructors, if you have any type Adventure Training (AT) instructor qualifications in hill walking (BELA, WGL, MI), Water sports, climbing (CWA or SPA), mountain biking or many of the others. We are keen to get you involved and help build out AT programmes for the cadets.
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Civilian Committee
To function and manage fundraising finances, the squadron has a voluntary civilian committee. They meet once a month at the squadron and discuss many things ranging from what we want the cadets to do, fundraising and PR, welfare fund for cadets and many more topics to help the squadron to grow.
- Squadron Chairperson: This is a prestigious post to hold, as the Chair you are responsible for the committee and have direct access to the Officer commanding, in this challenging post you can be involved in the strategic direction of the squadron and see the cadet benefit from fundraising and guidance. The post holder ideally will have knowledge of committee structures and typical responsibilities, a forward thinker and go getter. You are often the one that has to make links into the local communities, government and business. The role will require you to complete a DBS check before the appointment as you will be one of the account signatories.
- Treasurer: A vital role to the squadron, keep an eye on the funding and the key person for looking and applying for grants. We are looking for an individual who is good with numbers and familiar with the basics of keeping accounts. You do not need to be an accountant but need to have an aptitude for finances. The role will require you to complete a DBS check before the appointment as you will be one of the signatories and responsible for producing monthly accounts and financial statements.
- General Committee Members: Ok so have you not quite got time or you don't feel comfortable doing any of the other roles? Well just be a committee member, your input will be gratefully received! We are always looking for members! Why not give it a try?
Can't find a role you like? Still get in touch and have a chat! We might still have a space for your expertise on our voluntary team!
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