We’re thrilled to announce that The Cadet to Career Podcast is live!
Our brand-new podcast is here, and all episodes are ready to stream.
Be among the first to listen now!
Episode 1: An introduction to Cadet Vocational College
Discover how Cadet Vocational College supports young people and adult volunteers in cadet and youth organisations, offering vocational qualifications from BTEC Level 1 to City & Guilds Level 7 Professional Recognition Awards.
Episode 2: Beyond the BTEC – ILM and City & Guilds
Explore our wider qualifications portfolio, including the ILM Level 3 in Leadership and Management and City & Guilds Level 3 in Education and Training. Find out how these qualifications help develop leadership skills and support career progression.
Episode 3 – The learning journey with Cadet Vocational College
This episode looks at the process of beginning a learning journey with Cadet Vocational College, from initial advice and guidance (IAG), advice on completing the BTEC, tips on Unit 1 and the value of the Employability Skills workshop.
Episode 4: Employability Skills
The Employability Skills Workshops are open to all Cadet Vocational College learners – cadet and adult volunteer – particularly those enrolled in the BTEC Level 2 qualification in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community. It accompanies the BTEC Level 2 TPD Unit 3: Preparing for Employment.
It’s an interactive workshop accessible online, and we also offer a local delivery, face-to-face option for groups.
Cadet To Career episode, Workshop tutor Ashley Fulford talks about how learners will focus on developing practical employability skills, including:
Creating a good CV
Interview skills
Personal skills assessments
Understanding what employers are looking for
Overview of the apprenticeship opportunity
The workshop will provide learners with some of the knowledge and skills necessary for successful career planning.
Episode 5 – Westminster Award 2025 Selection Special
Deep in the heart of leafy Somerset, 44 candidates gathered at the Mill-On-The-Brue outdoor activity centre for the 2025 Westminster Award selection event. How did they do? Find out here in our podcast special…
Episode 6 – Entering The Job Market
This episode draws of the experience of people who talk about some of the very different options when thinking about what’s next – either into work for the first time, or progressing in an existing career. From hints-and-tips when preparing for interview, to apprenticeships, and a career in the armed forces, it’s all covered in this bumper episode. Host Laura Cook talks to recruitment specialist Esther Marsden, apprenticeship coach Chris Littlewood and Brigadier Gary McDade, currently working with Cadets at Regional Command.
This episode fits nicely with the Brief Notes episode on Employability Skills, also available now on the Cadet To Career podcast.
Episode 7 – The Cadet Vocational College Experience
In this episode, we hear from our learners about their experience of earning vocational qualifications as part of their youth organisations activities and, importantly, about how CV College helps turn their cadet experience into something recognised by employers, colleges and universities.
As well as our BTEC and ILM learners, we’ll hear from a parent about the impact the CV College qualifications have had on their child and their future prospects.
Episode 8 – Westminster Awards 2025 Special
It’s the final! The exclusive Awards lunch on the private terrace at the House of Lords where the finalists, their friends and family gather with VIPs to find out who has won.
Laura Cook has all the stories in this special edition. Find out what went on behind the scenes at the Westminster Award Final.
The Westminster Award is a prestigious competition open to all Cadet Vocational College learners, aged 16 to 18, who have achieved a Cadet Vocational College-led BTEC Level 2 qualification in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community. The Westminster Award recognises and rewards those learners who consistently embody the charity’s value of ‘going the extra mile’ in their everyday lives.
Each year, cadet and uniformed youth organisation leaders, alongside fellow cadets, nominate cadets who have made a positive impact on them and in their communities. The award process includes a rigorous, multi-stage selection event and a life-changing expedition, culminating in a celebratory lunch on the private terrace at the House of Lords.
The 2025 Award saw candidates competing over three weeks of activities in Somerset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Brecon Beacons in Wales.
Episode 9 – Graduation 2025 Special from RMA Sandhurst
This special edition podcast goes behind the scenes of our 2025 Graduation Ceremony for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and direct candidates which took place at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on Friday 24 October. The event was presided over by our Chairman, The Lord Lingfield, in celebration of the remarkable achievements of this year’s graduates.
One of the highlights of the CV College year, the prestigious ceremony in the Royal Memorial Chapel followed by lunch in the historic Old College Officers’ Mess dining room, marks the formal recognition for our adult learners who have earned from Level 3 (Education & Training) right up to Level 7 City & Guilds Professional Recognition Awards.
Episode 10 – Westminster Award 2026 Selection Special
Deep in the heart of leafy Somerset, 32 candidates gathered at the Mill-On-The-Brue outdoor activity centre for the 2026 Westminster Award selection event. How did they do? Find out here in our podcast special…
Episode 11 – Adult qualifications
We are joined by CV College Vice Principal Michelle Parry to explore the range of qualifications available to adult volunteers, from leadership and management awards to teaching and training qualifications. The discussion highlights how flexible, affordable learning opportunities can help volunteers develop new skills, gain recognised qualifications and enhance both their volunteering and professional careers.
The episode also features inspiring stories from graduates Paul Hose and Terence Salter, who share how their qualifications boosted their confidence, strengthened their leadership and teaching abilities, and created opportunities both inside and outside the cadet forces. Their journeys culminated in a memorable graduation ceremony at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, demonstrating the lasting impact of lifelong learning.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and all popular streaming platforms.