Join as an Adult
Over 20? Seeking a new challenge? Then, how about becoming an adult volunteer with us?
As adult volunteers are the backbone of RAF Air Cadets, we're always on the look-out for high-calibre individuals to join our team, helping to run and support the activities that play such an important role in the lives of our young people.
We rely on our volunteers to help us operate as effectively as possible. Being well organised is an obvious must, ideally with good managerial and administrative skills, and an ability to listen to problems and deal with them tactfully and appropriately.
We constantly assess our past achievements, implement changes to meet the challenges of today and make plans for the future; and you could influence that process.
Join our Staff team
Would you like to develop skills and knowledge in teaching, leadership and management? Then how about becoming a member of our instructional staff team?
All kinds of people make up our volunteer staff, coming from a range of backgrounds and interests. Obviously if you have relevant experience of working with young people, or any relevant skills such as adventure training, cyber, flying, gliding, shooting, sports, STEM, etc, you would be particularly welcome. These aren't essential though, as training and support is available.
That said, you'll have some personal qualities that are essential, such as patience, maturity and responsibility, along with an understanding of young people and their needs. You needn't be an athlete, but a good level of physical fitness would help to ensure that you can keep up with the cadets!
To start with we would ask you to join as a Civilian Instructor, so you can learn about the organisation. To 'ease you in gently' would be our aim.
Adult volunteers are vital to the success of RAF Air Cadets. You'll see your dedication and effort pay-off in the achievements you inspire amongst our young people. And it isn't just the cadets that benefit - you'll get involved in many squadron activities and have the same kinds of opportunities as cadets to develop your leadership skills and gain qualifications in activities such as adventure training, first aid, shooting, etc that may be useful to you outside of RAFAC. You should also have as much fun as the cadets do!
Interested in a uniformed role?
And it doesn't stop there. If you wish, you can apply to become a uniformed sergeant or officer. You would undergo aptitude / suitability screening interviews similar to those undertaken by adults joinimg the regular RAF. As a RAFAC uniformed volunteer, you can claim up to 28 days volunteer allowance (remuneration) per year for non-routine volunteering and, potentially, work your way up through the ranks in a similar manner to the RAF.
Join our Committee team
Then again if you do not want to be in the training frontline and are content to be in a support role, or want to 'observe from a distance' before committing further, but would still like to help with the Squadron, we do have a 'Parents & Friends Team' where you can help. Our Committee meets every few weeks to consider the support needed for the Squadron's activities, and do its best to meet those needs both through fundraising and other practical help. Members are always wanted for this friendly team - the more the better. Come along to a Committee Meeting and find out more about this avenue to support the Squadron.
Our volunteers say they gain a huge sense of achievement from helping young people realise their potential. Why not give it a try?