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…

www.cvcollege.org

www.cvcollege.org

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.

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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. 

Laura Cook has all the stories in this special edition. Find out what went on behind the scenes at the Westminster Award Final.

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.

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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.

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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.  

This episode fits nicely with the Brief Notes episode on Employability Skills, also available now on the Cadet To Career podcast.

You can find out more information on our website: www.cvcollege.org

For more information about the Kwik Fit Apprenticeship Scheme go to: www.kwik-fit.com/careers

For more information on University, College and employment options, you can also go to UCAS: www.ucas.com/

www.cvcollege.org

www.cvcollege.org

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.

www.cvcollege.org

This episode looks at the process of beginning a learning journey with Cadet Vocational College, from initial advice and guidance (IAG), advice on completing the BTEC, tips on Unit 1 and the value of the Employability Skills workshop.

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This episode discusses the wider portfolio of qualifications and awards available through CV College including the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM), and City & Guilds (Professional Recognition Awards).

CV College delivers ILM Level 3 as a follow on from the BTEC, a Level 3 in Education and Training to support the delivery of youth organisation activities, and right up to Master’s Degree equivalent at Level 7. These qualifications begin to focus more on the next stage career pathway, honing specific skills and the ability to demonstrate the value of experience as part of personal development.

www.cvcollege.org

This episode explores the vital role that Cadet Vocational College plays in delivering vocational qualifications to young people and adult volunteers in youth organisations. From BTEC Level 1 to City & Guilds Level 7, there is plenty of opportunity to earn valuable vocational qualifications.

www.cvcollege.org