Employers enjoy cadet engagement day

Highland RFCA attended a Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Engagement Day on 15 October.

The event – held at the Barry Buddon training area, near Carnoustie – gave Defence-friendly employers an opportunity to meet cadets during their camp.

HRFCA Regional Employer Engagement Director Roy McLellan attended along with representatives from Serica Energy, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, and Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels. Highland RFCA Chief Executive Brigadier (Retired) Mark Dodson was also in attendance.

Each of those employer organisations has pledged support to the Armed Forces by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. They also hold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Awards at the following levels:

Serica Energy: Gold Award
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust: Silver Award
Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels: Silver Award

250 RAF Air Cadets from across Scotland and Northern Ireland attended the camp. They were able to showcase their activities to the employers and visitors throughout the day.

Activities included cyber and STEM classes, drill and shooting. Employers also enjoyed an evening meal with the cadets and Adult Volunteers.

Visitors, cadets and Adult Volunteers enjoying a meal.

A choir performance followed, with the cadets living up to the adage of ‘the show must go on’ after a power failure interrupted the music a couple of songs in. Visitors were also able to look on as a cadet was promoted, and an Adult Volunteer was presented with the Cadet Forces Medal (in recognition of 12 years of RAFAC service).

The visit was rounded off with networking.

Huge thanks to Scotland & NI Region RAF Air Cadets for inviting us along to meet all the inspirational young people and Adult Volunteers.