Join as an adult volunteer
Over 20? Seeking a new challenge? Would you like to develop skills, leadership qualities and gain qualifications too?
At Air Cadets, we constantly assess our past achievements, implement changes to meet the challenges of today and make plans for the future. And a huge part of that planning is you. As the backbone of our organisation we're always on the look out for high-calibre individuals to become volunteers, helping to run the activities that play such an important role in the lives of our young members.
All kinds of people make up our volunteer staff, coming from a range of backgrounds and interests. Obviously if you have direct experience of working with young people, or any relevant skills such as flying or gliding, you would be particularly welcome. These aren't essential though, as we will train and support you at every stage.
That said, you'll have some personal qualities that are essential, such as patience, maturity and responsibility along with an understanding of young people and their needs. You needn't be an athlete, but a good level of physical fitness also helps to ensure you can keep up with the cadets!
Join as a Civilian Instructor
The most common volunteer designation in Air Cadets is Civilian Instructor - it's a varied role allowing you to use your skills where they best fit. You can give as much or little time as you can, and you don't need any formal qualifications - just enthusiasm that's infectious.
Many cadets go straight into volunteer roles when they leave at 20 years old - often they feel that they can 'give back' their great experiences to a new generation of young people.
Make a difference
Your role is vital to the success of our cadets. You'll see your dedication and effort pay-off in the achievements you inspire amongst our members. But it isn't just the cadets that benefit - you'll get involved in many squadron activities and have the same kinds of opportunities as cadets to develop your leadership skills and gain qualifications in things such as mountain leadership, First Aid and NVQs that may be useful to you in your career. You'll also have as much fun as the cadets do!
And it doesn't stop there. If you choose, you may apply to become a sergeant or an officer. As an Air Cadet officer you can claim up to 28 days’ volunteer allowance per year and work your way up through the ranks in a similar manner to the RAF.
Our volunteers say they gain a huge sense of achievement from helping young people realise their potential. Why not give it a try?
Are you Officer or SNCO material?
We rely on our volunteers to help us operate as effectively as possible. Being well organised is an obvious must, ideally with good managerial and administrative skills, and an ability to listen to problems and deal with them tactfully and appropriately.
Really show your skills in these areas and you could end up taking on more responsibility and moving up through the ranks as an officer or senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO). Of course, first you have to join as a Civilian Instructor and then have selection interviews at Wing HQs and Regional HQs but we guide you through that…if you have the potential then we’ll spot it!
Support the squadron as a member of the Squadron Association committee
As parents of cadets, you will automatically become a member of the Squadron Assossiation, however a small goup of parents and friends of the squadron, serve on the committee. This committee meets every two months and looks after the financial wellbeing of the squadron and serves as a civilian "oversight" forthe wellbeing of the cadets and supports the Officer Commanding and staff in ensure the success of the squadron.
What to do next
Fill in the contact us form - tell us you would like to join and we will get in touch