JOIN US
STAFF
Our Adult Staff, known as Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers (CFAV) are what makes the RAFAC tick. Without CFAV's the organisation at all levels would not be able to function. Our 400 strong team within Trent Wing come from all backgrounds, experience, skill sets and personal circumstances. They all have one thing in common, which is to develop the Youth of today to become the next generation of our society.
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There is no requirement to have been a member of HM Armed Forces or have any previous experience of the Cadet Forces either. All you do need is time, drive and a desire to support our young people to achieve their full potential.
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We have several roles available from forward facing instructional roles, both uniformed and non uniformed, managerial uniformed roles and the vital background roles that help support the running of our units.
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All of our Adult staff undergo DBS checks and additional security checks, dependent on your role. The initial phase for new starters will see you complete the Adult Volunteer Induction Course, which starts with your application to join. The AVIP course is completed partly on your Squadron and finishes in a 1 day briefing course, run by the Wing Staff, giving you all the information you need to start in your RAFAC career.
GETTING STARTED!
STEP No 1
The first step is to find your nearest Suqadron. Use the map at the bottom of the page to help you. It might be you live close to more so you have a choice of which one you would like to.
STEP No 2
Step No 2 is fairly simple, get in touch with the unit or units you are looking at. The easiest way is to send an email as not all our squadrons have phones. Let them know who you are and that you are interested in joining.
STEP No 3
The squadron will get on touch with you to invite you along to take a look at the unit. They will also give you a number of forms to complete for security, enrollement and the Disclosure and Barring Service Checks.
ADULT VOLUNTEER
ROLES
Click on the buttons below for information sheets for each role, the requirements and what it entails.
Keep Scrolling down for more information as well as some Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom!
Adult Volunteer Induction Programme
If you are looking at any of the 'operational roles', those that are delivering the training, running activities such as Civilian Instructor, SNCO or Commissioned Officer you will complete the Adult Volunteer Induction Programme or AVIP for short. Its a basic introduction to the organisation, how it works and provides you with the knowledge you need to work and operate safely within the organisation. Service Instructors also complete the AVIP.
Squadron and Home Learning
You will be issued with the AVIP workbook which covers a range of toipics from learning about your squadron, RAFC IT systems, Health and Safety and gaining knowledge about the service. It is progressive so you can work through it steadily with many elements being completed at home if you wish. Each section will be signed off by the Squadron Commander. There is alot to get through, but its essential learning to help you understand what we do and how it is done.
SQUADRON &
HOME LEARNING
BRIEFING DAY
The briefing day is the final part of the AVIP and is a consolidation day to recieve additional information, knowledge and to obtain the Safeguarding and Child Protection input. The course is held 6 times per year, on either a Saturday or Sunday at Wing HQ. Its also a chance to ask questions from the Wing Staff Officer delivering the course which generally runs between 0945-1700hrs. The briefing day must be completed within 6 months of appointment to be valid and allow you to continue activities with the RAFAC.
BRIEFING
DAY
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
Given the nature of what we do and working with young people, there are a couple of other requirements to complete also. The first is to complete a First Aid course within 6 months of appointment, unless you already hold a valid and recognised qualification. All our staff must hold a valid FA qualification. We provide the training for you so there is no cost. Its also desired that you complete the RAFAC Health and Safety Risk Assessors course, which is a single day course, however there is no time scale to complete it.
ADDITIONAL
TRAINING
ADULT VOLUNTEER
FAQs
Next?
Just as it is with the Cadets, there is a world of opportunity waiting for you. Whether it is specialising in a particular subject area and gaining or bringing in existing qualifactions to deliver activities through to taking Command of your own unit in the future, it really is up to you. Whether staying as a CI or progressing into a uniformed role here are some of the areas and qualifications you can gain many of them for free.
WHAT TO DO
FLYING
It's not just the cadets that get the chance to fly. Taking cadets flying can often mean that their escorting staff get the chance to fly too. This can be in anything from a Tutor to Chinook. Courses are available to increase knowledge and understanding to deliver theory training on the squadron too.
GLIDING
Not only can you take to the air to experience what Silent Flight is like, you can obtain Gliding Instructor Qualifications both for Simulators and the Part Task Trainers we use. Gliding is a key part of the Air Cadets Syllabus increasing aviation and stimulating Airmanship within the organisation.
TARGET SHOOTING
Target Shooting teaches both discipline, safety and encourages competition and achievement. There are various courses to allow you to shoot, instruct, coach and run a live range. Its all about safety and experience, with lots of learning to be undertaken as well as skills tests along the way.
DRILL
If you, like many of our cadets, like Drill, we have Drill Instructor Courses available for you. You will need to be a RAFAC SNCO though. You will be trained by RAF Drill Instructors in all aspects of foot drill and if you make the grade you can return to complete the Rifle Drill Course too. Drill is a fundamental aspect of our Training.
ADVENTURE TRN
AT is a great chance to build leadership and Teamworking skills. Whether through the Duke of Edinburghs Award Scheme or various other opportunities, including Climbing, Abseiling, Watersports, Exepeditions.Recignised training and Instructor Qualifications are available to all adult staff.
FIRST AID
First Aid is an essential part of our training and delivery. Our activities do have risks and we need to know what to do if it goes wrong. We deliver our courses internally, therefore we need instructors to deliver to others. You can gain a recognised adult education qualification, using First Aid as the delivery method.
SPORTS
Trent Wing is one of the best Wings for Sports in the Country. We offer a wide range of sports for all and compete at various levels. We rely on dedicated staff undertaking sports instuctional and officiating courses to gain recognised qualifications, which are open to all CFAV's
CORE TRAINING
The key role for all our staff is the delivery of the Core Training Syllabus, which is our academic training for cadets, covering eveything from Aviation, STEM, History, Navigation, Communications and much more. Its the theory that allows us to deliver and underpin the practical training in specialist areas we deliver.
FIELDCRAFT
Fieldcraft is now a specialist area in its own right. We have a set syllabus for fieldcraft training and are always looking to develop instructors and the trainining delivery to cadets. If you have an interest in FC then you can become a Fieldcraft instructor, allowing you to deliver training and plan and execute your oven Exercises.
Can anyone be a volunteer?
We welcome all responsible adults (aged 20 years upwards), of any gender, from all social backgrounds, cultures and religions. You don't need to have any prior military experience, just enthusiasm and commitment.
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I have a full time job / home to run / children. How can I spare the time for voluntary work?
Most of our volunteers have busy lives too, and many of them work full time. Most activities take place in the evenings and at weekends, and no-one's expected to take part in everything. Many people get involved initially because their children are cadets - they start off helping out informally at events and open days. As long as you can spare a few hours a week, you'll be made very welcome.
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It sounds very energetic. Do I need to be really fit?
We like our volunteers to be reasonably fit so they can join in the physical activities, but other qualities are equally important. We need people who can deal with paperwork and homesick cadets at camp just as much as someone who can hike across the hills with them.
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I'm retired but I'd enjoy working with youngsters. Is there an age limit?
There is no upper age limit as a civilian instructor, although uniformed officers retire at 55. Many of our volunteers are retired or semi-retired, which gives them more time to spend with us.
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Do I need to have experience of working with children?
No, but you do need an understanding of the needs of teenagers. So if you are a parent with children or have had any contact with the children of friends or family, you will have some idea of what's required. Obviously, if you have any direct experience, such as teaching or sports training, you will have an advantage.
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What happens if I join and then find it doesn't suit me?
This kind of work doesn't suit everyone, but when you join us you will be given every opportunity to find a role that you feel happy with. We are particularly keen to ensure that you are suited to and happy with your role, as your enthusiasm can directly impact on the cadets.
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Will I need to have a police check?
Yes. Anyone who works with children must be willing to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (formally CRB) check. This is a legal requirement and can take about three months, so until it is complete you will not be able to take sole charge of cadets. You'll be training during this period anyway so your progress won't be affected.
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Will I be paid?
You will be provided with all the necessary equipment for your role, including special clothing and uniform where applicable. As an officer or non-commissioned officer you can, however, claim for up to 28 days’ volunteer allowance. Don't forget, you'll experience many activities and training opportunities, all for free!
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I'd like to meet new friends too. Is there a social side to it?
Yes! The civilian committee on each squadron will be busy organising all sorts of social events, some to raise funds for the cadets and some just for fun. Most people are surprised to find that as well as enjoying the work they make a lot of new friends and have a great social time when they join as an adult volunteer. Some have even found their future husbands and wives this way!
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What will my unit be like?
Some squadrons are accommodated in their own premises, while others are located on RAF stations, in TA centres or in post-war Nissan huts. No matter where the accommodation is located it's the activities that count, and everyone knows they're second to none in Air Cadets.
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ADULT VOLUNTEER
FAQ's
Enhance Your Proffesional CV
Through your role within the Air Cadets and using your experiences you can gain recognised qualifications to degree level through CVQO and the Institute of Leadership and Managment!
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These range from qualifications in Managment through to teaching and training qualifications, which are recognised on the National Qualifications Framework and therefore recognised outside the organisation, by employers and other organisations.
