Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation Annual Awards 2008

The nation's cadet forces are helping to bridge the skills gap in industry and commerce throughout the United Kingdom.

Last Friday, 86 cadet adult instructors from all cadet forces graduate with City & Guilds senior awards gained through the Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation (CVQO). A further 400 adults have gained additional qualifications from Edexcel and the Institute of Leadership and Management, bringing the total to over  2,600 adults whose CVs have been enhanced by qualifications gained through CVQO over the last five years. Cadets, too, benefit from a vibrant BTEC qualification programme through this organisation.

The ceremony was held at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, where Admiral the Lord West of Spithead, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Security and chairman of the CVQO Board of Trustees, praised the cadet adult training initiative. "Mobilising the skills systems in Britain is still at the forefront of the political agenda. Many people in this country are out of work, or without the skills they need to progress in work, struggling with out-of-date skills. Enabling people to gain qualifications outside the work environment widens opportunity and gives people recognition and credibility for their broader skills."

Edward Woods, chief executive, CVQO praised the volunteers' efforts saying: "As these awards are gained in their spare time it is admirable that they have found time to study whilst holding down full time employment and giving hundreds of hours of voluntary service to the nation's youth."

Successful completion of these awards recognises at least five years of professional development and managerial experience. Not only do they demonstrate the importance and quality of the training that adults receive through cadet training courses, they are highly valued within the commercial world.

One third of employers do not train their staff and eight million employees in England go without training every year. By offering qualifications designed to develop important practical skills, CVQO aims to provide members of the Cadet Forces with greater opportunities in the classroom and the workplace. Many graduates have gained promotion, received pay rises and earned new respect as a result of the skills developed through cadets and the CVQO training programme. Recognising the benefits that will accrue to their organisations, many of their employers have assisted with payment and time to study.

Mark Rye, CVQO

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