Cadet Vocational College Westminster Award

Stage 2 - Closed!

The Westminster Award is an annual competition designed to recognise and reward the most deserving of our learners.

Each year we invite cadet and youth group leaders to come forward and nominate a brilliant young person for something they’ve achieved.

Additionally, nominations can now be endorsed by fellow cadets!

We want to hear about special characters who have truly made a difference to the lives of those around them. Please tell us how your nominee demonstrates selflessness, community spirit or altruism. Maybe they go out of their way to help a friend or family member, or actively assist their local community on a regular basis. Tie into Cadet Vocational College’s values (e.g. going the extra mile, caring and supportive) if you can. This is the ethos of the Westminster Award.

Want to be part of the Westminster Award experience?

Enrol in our FREE BTEC Level 2 qualification in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community.

Register your interest now: https://cvcollege.org/expression-of-interest-form

How to apply and eligibility

  • Have completed Unit 1 of their Cadet Vocational College-led BTEC Level 2 qualification in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community
  • Age criteria: be born between 1 September 2005 and 31 August 2008
  • There can be one nomination per unit (e.g. squadron/detachment/equivalent cadet unit or youth group)
  • This means Counties/Areas/Wings (or equivalent regional designation) can nominate multiple candidates
  • The closing date for receipt of nominations is 31 December 2024

Nominate Now!

Stage 1 - Nominations

The first step is the nominations stage. In November each year we open nominations, whereby adult volunteers, youth leaders and cadets are invited to put forward a deserving young person via a short nomination form.

Stage 2 - Candidate submissions

After the stage 1 sift, in which Cadet Vocational College staff and former finalists grade each submission, the successful nominees are set an assignment. We encourage creative submissions using various media types to tell us why they should win a place at selection in Somerset.

Stage 3 - Selection in Somerset

Nominees who are successful in getting this far win a brilliant residential week in Somerset. They enjoy an action packed programme of outdoor, team-building activities, as well as having the opportunity to gain an ILM Level 3. After selection we decide who our finalists will be…

Stage 4 - The expedition

Next there’s an incredible 10 day UK expedition to look forward to. Our finalists will take part in community projects, work with local schools and, above all, have a lot of fun along the way.

Stage 5 - Awards lunch at the House of Lords

After the expedition, our finalists can look forward to lunch at the House of Lords with their families, nominating officers and friends, where the overall winner is announced.

The Process

We are in the process of finalising the key dates for the 2025 Westminster Award, but an approximate schedule is outlined below.

  • Stage 1 – Nominations open
  • Stage 2 – Nominations close 31 December 2024, and successful stage 2 nominees will be announced in January 2025
  • Stage 2 – Challenge set January 2025
  • ILM Level 3 qualification – delivered online during March
  • Stage 3 – Selection event takes place on Saturday 12 through to Wednesday 16 April 2025
  • Stage 4 – Expedition
  • Stage 5 – House of Lords lunch: September 2025

Nominate now!