Cadet Vocational Qualifications

As well as acquiring a range of skills, cadets and adults alike can earn recognised vocational qualifications through their involvement in ACF activities. Cadets and adults can benefit from internationally recognised qualifications.

From the BTEC First Diploma in Public Services to the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading, the qualifications on offer demonstrate the range of skills young people learn in the ACF. These qualifications are much more than handy add-ons to school qualifications. Each BTEC is equivalent to an extra four GCSEs at grades A*-C (or Scottish Standard Grades levels 1 - 3).

Cadet Vocational Qualifications Organisation (known as CVQO) offers Army Cadets over the age of 16 the opportunity to earn up to three internationally recognised qualifications. As well as the Public Services and Team Leading qualifications already mentioned, cadets can opt to study for the BTEC First Diploma in Music. All the tuition is free to the cadets.

As an additional incentive the Duke of Westminster Award is presented annually to the most outstanding cadet enrolled in the BTEC programme. In 2008 the five prize-winners travelled to South Africa for a three-week expedition. Over 1300 cadets registered for the qualifications in 2008, representing a 48% increase compared to the previous year.