Under the guidance of Flt Lt Paul Maitland, West Mercian Wing cadets have the opportunity to work towards two BTEC awards in Public Services and Aviation Studies; a further two in First Aid and Music are to be added to the training syllabus in the near future. Both the BTEC in Aviation Studies and the BTEC First Diploma in Public services are achievable with very little extra effort on behalf of the cadets or their squadron commander.

BTEC First Diploma in Public Services

The BTEC First Diploma in Public Services is the equivalent of four GCSEs at grades A* to C and is available to all cadets who turn 16 during the current academic year, that is they are currently in year 11. In order to qualify for the BTEC cadets must complete a number of modules, the majority of which can be aMCOmplished by undertaking normal ATC activities such as gliding courses, expeditions and residential camps. The good news is that almost any activity from the point of joining the organisation can count towards the qualification and unlike the BTEC in Aviation Studies it is completely free. To enrol complete an application form, which can be downloaded by clicking on the link below or obtained through your squadron commander, and return it to your unit's BTEC officer.

For more information visit www.cvqo.co.uk or contact Flt Lt Paul Maitland.

BTEC in Aviation Studies

The BTEC in Aviation Studies is the equivalent of 1 GCSE at grade A* to C and is available to all cadets who have passed their Staff Part 1 examination in the last two years. Squadron Commanders should obtain a batch registration form from Wing Headquarters, complete it and return it with a payment of £29.00 for each candidate along with their RAF F3521A (ATC Examination Record Card)