Employers learn about Army Cadets

A Cadet Briefing Day was held for employers from across Scotland at the Barry Buddon Training Camp on 31 July.

The event gave employers the opportunity to learn more about Army Cadets and a chance to meet with cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV).

The visit was timed to coincide with the end of a two-week residential camp attended by West Lowland Battalion of the Army Cadet Force (ACF).

The Battalion had around 400 people at the camp, located between Arbroath and Dundee. This was comprised of a mix of cadets, CFAVs and Battalion Permanent Support Staff (PSS).

The event began at 10am with an introduction (pictured, above) by Commander 51 Infantry Brigade & HQ Scotland, Brigadier Jody Davies, who explained what to expect from the day. A briefing by the Cadet Battalion Commandant and their team followed.

This included the distribution of a pack explaining about the Battalion and a report by Professor Simon Denny outlining the positive effect the cadet organisations have on young people and on Scotland.

This was followed by an opportunity to take part in a variety of Command Tasks organised by the Battalion and to participate in some of the subjects being taught during the camp.

Lunch was provided for all the visitors.

Taking part from the HRFCA-area were representatives from a variety of Armed Forces-friendly organisations that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and hold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Awards at various levels (as indicated below).

Aberdeenshire Council (Gold)
Angus Council (Gold)
DLR Media Limited (Silver)
Gogar Services Limited (Silver)
HorseBack UK (Silver)
IED Training Solutions Ltd (Gold)
Stork (Bronze)

In attendance from Highland RFCA was Chief Executive Brigadier (Retired) Mark Dodson, Head of Engagement Michelle McKearnon and Regional Employer Engagement Director Ray Watt.

The employers were encouraged to get involved by setting up stands showing what each of their organisations does. Cadets then visited the stands to learn about the opportunities on offer from each. This provided good networking opportunities for employers, cadets and CFAVs.

Concluding the day was an open forum for employers with key individuals from the Cadet Forces and RFCAs answering the questions.

■ Applicants for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award are now being asked to look favourably on requests from CFAVs for time off to attend Annual Camps. As well as being a fun and informative day out at Barry Buddon, the event was designed to demonstrate to employers the benefits of supporting these activities.