RAF Air Cadets Seek High Flying Adult Instructors

Potentially high flying volunteer opportunities are being launched locally as the Royal Air Force Air Cadet Organisation embarks on a new recruitment drive for Adult Instructors to work with teenagers in communities in and around County Down.

The Air Cadets require more Adult Instructors to take on part time roles in local Cadet Squadrons and they are seeking applications from the sort of adults who enjoy working with teenagers and who believe they have the potential to inspire and enthuse young people.

You don't need to have an aviation or teaching background or, indeed, be super-fit to become an Adult Instructor, but you do need the sort of personal qualities that can help young people to soar.

Jan Kerr said, "Obviously direct experience of working with young people, or any relevant skills such as flying or gliding, would be particularly welcome, but they are not essential. If an applicant has the personal qualities of patience, maturity and responsibility, matched with a genuine understanding of young people and their needs, then we would be delighted to hear from them.

"We can provide the training and support needed to help build a volunteer career that will make a real difference to the lives of young people and a positive contribution to the community".

"The personal benefits of being an Adult Instructor with the Air Cadets are, broadly, those which make the organisation so attractive to its teenage members: the opportunity to get involved in an amazing range of exciting activities, develop personal skills and talents and meet and work with some great people.

"Our Adult Instructors can expect to build their leadership, management and teamwork experience and gain qualifications which may well be of value in their civilian life.

"Right across County Down the RAF Air Cadet Organisation is flourishing and we already  have some amazing Adult Instructors working to deliver fantastic opportunities to local teenagers.

"Right now we are also inviting boys and girls aged between 13 and 17 to come along to check out what's available at their local Squadron and we are looking forward to those informal 'look-see' sessions generating still higher membership for Squadrons in Ballynahinch, Bangor, Holywood and Newtownards.  We want to be ready to cope with current and future demand – which is why we are now looking to recruit more Adult Instructors."

You must be over 20 to apply for a volunteer role as an Adult Instructor with the Air Cadets. Training is provided and, while money probably isn't a prime motivator, all expenses are fully reimbursed and uniformed Adult Instructors may be financially rewarded with payment for up to 28 days a year.

Jan added, "We're looking for Adult Instructors who can match the quality of our Air Cadets and who will bring equal measures of enthusiasm and empathy to the role.  I would never tell anyone that this is an easy volunteer choice, but it's certainly never dull. The best part is that, in supporting young people to soar, you can dramatically broaden your own horizons."

Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming an Adult Instructor in the Royal Air Force Air Cadet Organisation should call 028 9445 2023, visit www.aircadets.org or E-mail alg-aircadets-e2@mod.uk.