Qualifications equip Cadets for world of work

Since 2011, Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association has been working with Education Scotland to develop a suite of recognised qualifications, which formalises the training young people receive.

From: Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations (RFCA)

Two Cadets in uniform. Lowland RFCA Crown Copyright.

Since 2011, Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (LRFCA) has been working with Education Scotland to develop a suite of recognised qualifications, which formalises the training young people receive and equips them with qualifications that are recognised and valued by education institutions and employers.

• Cadet training and awards have been mapped to Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) qualifications at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) levels 4, 5 and 6 – the same level of learning as National 4 and 5 and Highers – in subjects such as leadership, teamwork, citizenship and aviation. The achievement of credit-rated SQA-recognised qualifications boosts the education and employment prospects for Cadets, the vast majority of which pursue civilian careers.

Lowland RFCA has also developed the concept

of school-based Cadet activity, rolling out the Linked Detachment Programme throughout Scotland. The Linked Detachments enable young people to benefit from the Cadet Experience within the school syllabus and during the school week, in response to demand from school leaders.

Cadet Sergeant Rhonwen Paterson, an Army Cadet based in Dumfries and Galloway, is considering a career as a Scottish Ambulance paramedic after university. The S6 pupil at Moffat Academy first heard about the Army Cadets through her school which was setting up a Linked Detachment.

Through the Army Cadets Rhonwen has completed National 4 (SCQF level 4) in Uniformed and Emergency Services over 18 months at school, and a National 5 (SCQF level 5) award in Leadership at an Army Cadet annual camp.

She said:

I like to help people and doing the National 4 in Uniformed and Emergency Services has inspired me to pursue a career as a paramedic.

The qualifications are recognised by employers, which will hopefully help me to gain entry to university to study paramedic science. I had zero confidence before I joined the Army Cadets but now I am able to stand up and give presentations to hundreds of people.

Cadet Sergeant Angus Bryans, of West Lowland Battalion Army Cadet Force, has gained several qualifications through the organisation in his 5 years as a Cadet.

He said:

It’s an easy thing to do, it’s really simple. There’s help every step of the way for the SQA award.

The SQA awards translate what you do in Cadets into a more readable, civilian friendly manner. It shows universities and employers and anyone else that wants to see, what experience you’ve had.

To find out more about the SQA Awards for Cadets, visit the Lowlands RFCA website.