We are joined by CV College Vice Principal Michelle Parry to explore the range of qualifications available to adult volunteers, from leadership and management awards to teaching and training qualifications. The discussion highlights how flexible, affordable learning opportunities can help volunteers develop new skills, gain recognised qualifications and enhance both their volunteering and professional careers.

The episode also features inspiring stories from graduates Paul Hose and Terence Salter, who share how their qualifications boosted their confidence, strengthened their leadership and teaching abilities, and created opportunities both inside and outside the cadet forces. Their journeys culminated in a memorable graduation ceremony at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, demonstrating the lasting impact of lifelong learning.

Deep in the heart of leafy Somerset, 32 candidates gathered at the Mill-On-The-Brue outdoor activity centre for the 2026 Westminster Award selection event.

How did they do? Find out here in our podcast special…

This special edition podcast goes behind the scenes of our 2025 Graduation Ceremony for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and direct candidates which took place at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on Friday 24 October. The event was presided over by our Chairman, The Lord Lingfield, in celebration of the remarkable achievements of this year’s graduates.

One of the highlights of the CV College year, the prestigious ceremony in the Royal Memorial Chapel followed by lunch in the historic Old College Officers’ Mess dining room, marks the formal recognition for our adult learners who have earned from Level 3 (Education & Training) right up to Level 7 City & Guilds Professional Recognition Awards.

It's the final! The exclusive Awards lunch on the private terrace at the House of Lords where the finalists, their friends and family gather with VIPs to find out who has won.

The Westminster Award is a prestigious competition open to all Cadet Vocational College learners, aged 16 to 18, who have achieved a Cadet Vocational College-led BTEC Level 2 qualification in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community. The Westminster Award recognises and rewards those learners who consistently embody the charity’s value of ‘going the extra mile’ in their everyday lives.

Each year, cadet and uniformed youth organisation leaders, alongside fellow cadets, nominate cadets who have made a positive impact on them and in their communities. The award process includes a rigorous, multi-stage selection event and a life-changing expedition, culminating in a celebratory lunch on the private terrace at the House of Lords.

The 2025 Award saw candidates competing over three weeks of activities in Somerset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Brecon Beacons in Wales.

In this episode, we hear from our learners about their experience of earning vocational qualifications as part of their youth organisations activities and, importantly, about how CV College helps turn their cadet experience into something recognised by employers, colleges and universities.

As well as our BTEC and ILM learners, we’ll hear from a parent about the impact the CV College qualifications have had on their child and their future prospects.

And to round off this final episode of series one, we have a very special guest from the world of motor racing with a story of perseverance, determination and of finding success despite physical challenges and having to overcome adversity.

This episode draws of the experience of people who talk about some of the very different options when thinking about what’s next – either into work for the first time, or progressing in an existing career. From hints-and-tips when preparing for interview, to apprenticeships, and a career in the armed forces, it’s all covered in this bumper episode. Host Laura Cook talks to recruitment specialist Esther Marsden, apprenticeship coach Chris Littlewood and Brigadier Gary McDade, currently working with Cadets at Regional Command.

Deep in the heart of leafy Somerset, 44 candidates gathered at the Mill-On-The-Brue outdoor activity centre for the 2025 Westminster Award selection event. How did they do? Find out here in our podcast special…

The Employability Skills Workshops are open to all Cadet Vocational College learners - cadet and adult volunteer - particularly those enrolled in the BTEC Level 2 qualification in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community. It accompanies the BTEC Level 2 TPD Unit 3: Preparing for Employment.

It’s an interactive workshop accessible online, and we also offer a local delivery, face-to-face option for groups.

Cadet To Career episode, Workshop tutor Ashley Fulford talks about how learners will focus on developing practical employability skills, including:

• Creating a good CV
• Interview skills
• Personal skills assessments
• Understanding what employers are looking for
• Overview of the apprenticeship opportunity
• The workshop will provide learners with some of the knowledge and skills necessary for successful career planning.