Cadet Leader underway in Nottinghamshire

A pioneering new scheme offered by Nottinghamshire Army Cadet Force aimed at helping people develop their leadership skills, has got underway.

The Nottinghamshire ACF wants to recruit more voluntary youth leaders. And as part of their search for the right people, they’re encouraging local companies and their employees to participate in a series of free adventure weekends designed to develop team building and leadership skills.

The first weekend in the Exercise Cadet Leader scheme was held at Beckingham Camp near Newark.

"Young managers of the future during the six month course will try all kinds of adventurous activities to develop practical and personal skills such as leadership, confidence, communication, problem solving and decision making,” explained Lt Col David Chadburn, Deputy Commandant of Nottinghamshire ACF.

Throughout the weekend students were introduced to army life, including how to cook in the field using a 24 hour ration pack, using a map and compass, camouflage and firing a rifle on the Beckingham rifle ranges.

Two of the course students included Sharon Brosnan and James Groggins who work for the Nottingham Call Centre Inkfish, on Talbot Street.

“We really enjoyed the weekend, “said Sharon a HR recruiter, “We were slightly apprehensive at first, as we did not know what to be expect. But once we got started we were fine.

“I really enjoyed being on the shooting range and firing a rifle,” added Sharon.

And James added: “I think Cadet Leader is a great scheme as we will benefit by gaining leadership skills and also gives us the opportunity to put something back into the community.”

Lt Col Chadburn said: “There are different ways of gaining practical and life skills. Everyone involved in workforce development is aware of the role that out-of-the-office activities play in helping to achieve a work-life balance. We believe that working and training the youth of today in a structured and progressive syllabus, brings very positive and rewarding benefits for companies and their employees.”

During the next few months Sharon and James and the rest of the course students will benefit from several weekends of adventurous activities, giving them a unique opportunity to find their own level of excellence as part of a team.