Her Royal Highness met learners, graduates, volunteers and staff to learn more about how vocational education and recognised qualifications are helping people across the UK realise their potential and progress towards brighter futures.
Cadet Vocational College was honoured to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to its headquarters in Frimley on 29 October, where she met learners, graduates, volunteers and staff from across the UK and learned more about the College’s work in helping people turn experience into recognised achievement.
During the visit, Her Royal Highness met young people and adult learners from across the UK, hearing first-hand how qualifications achieved through Cadet Vocational College have helped them build confidence, develop skills and progress into education, employment and lifelong learning.
Her Royal Highness also observed practical activities showcasing the leadership, teamwork, resilience and problem-solving skills developed through cadet forces and other uniformed youth organisations.
For more than 25 years, Cadet Vocational College has worked alongside cadet forces and other uniformed youth organisations to help people gain recognition for the skills they develop through service, leadership and participation, creating opportunities for progression into education, employment and lifelong learning.
Since 2000, the charity has supported more than 160,000 learners, with more than seven in ten achieving a full qualification. Around one in three learners comes from one of Great Britain’s most disadvantaged communities, reflecting the College’s commitment to widening access to opportunity and ensuring that background is never a barrier to achievement.
Guy Horridge OBE, Chief Executive of Cadet Vocational College, said:
“It was a privilege to welcome Her Royal Highness and introduce her to some of the remarkable people whose achievements are at the heart of our College.
Not everyone discovers their strengths in a traditional classroom. Our purpose is to recognise the skills and abilities people develop through practical experience, leadership and service, and help turn those achievements into qualifications that open doors.
Today was an opportunity to celebrate those achievements and, above all, the young people and adults who have worked so hard to earn them.”
Among those meeting Her Royal Highness was Westminster Award winner Charlotte Bedford, who represented the many learners whose achievements have been recognised through the College’s programmes and had the honour of presenting a posy during the visit.
Charlotte said:
“It was a real honour to meet Her Royal Highness and represent learners from across the UK.
Through Cadet Vocational College, I have been able to gain qualifications, build confidence and develop skills that will support me long into the future. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to share some of that experience and show what can be achieved when young people are given the chance to realise their potential.”
The visit provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of learners, graduates and volunteers from across the UK, and to showcase the impact of vocational education in creating opportunities for future success.
Everyone at Cadet Vocational College was delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness and share the achievements, aspirations and experiences continue to demonstrate the value of vocational education and the opportunities it can create.
Photos from the day can be found in our Facebook album.