CEP approves two Welsh colleges

The decision will see Combined Cadet Force (CCF) units open at Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) and Llandarcy Academy of Sport.

Both units will be army themed and work is now underway to recruit and train adult volunteers, with an aim for the units to start parading in January 2019.

Cardiff and the Vale College is one of the largest colleges in the country with over 20,000 students. 86% students progressing to further study or employment within two months of completing their course and since 2015, 1000 students have progressed onto university level study.

Llandarcy Academy of Sport is a part of Neath Port Talbot College (NPTC), a group of colleges formed in 2013. It is one of the largest Further Education providers in Wales and covers 30% of the country’s landmass with a total of nine campuses stretching from North to South Wales.

The Welsh Government, in consultation with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), agreed to join the Cadet Expansion Programme in 2016.

The objective is to increase the number of young people in state schools who are able to access the benefits of the cadet experience, such as; personal development, positive life-changing opportunities and nationally recognised qualifications.

Combined Cadet Force (CCF) units allow pupils to undertake military-themed training alongside their studies and within the education structure of their school.

It gives opportunities for young people to develop and demonstrate new character qualities and skills. The training they receive includes flying, sailing, camps and much more.

Across the UK, over 100 state schools have joined the Cadet Expansion Programme and benefitted from improved pupil-teacher relations, behaviour and discipline, staff development and reputation in the community.