April 13th 2026
Bonus Episode – 2026 Westminster Award 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…
October 28th 2025
2025 Graducation 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.
September 12th 2025
Westminster Awards 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.
September 11th 2025
Charlotte Bedford
Army Cadet Force - 2025 Westminster Award Winner
Charlotte Bedford - Army Cadet Force - 2025 Westminster Award Winner
September 11th 2025
Lisa Owen - Combined Cadet Force - 2025 ILM Winner
Lisa Owen - Combined Cadet Force - 2025 ILM Winner
July 27th 2025
Episode 5 - Sharing The Experience - Facing The Challenge
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.
And to round off this final episode of series one, we have a very special guest from the world of motor racing with a story of perseverance, determination and of finding success despite physical challenges and having to overcome adversity.
July 10th 2025
Episode 4 - Moving On Up – 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.
You can find out more information on our website: www.cvcollege.org
For more information about the Kwik Fit Apprenticeship Scheme go to: www.kwik-fit.com/careers
For more information on University, College and employment options, you can also go to UCAS: www.ucas.com/
April 21st 2025
Bonus Episode – Westminster Award 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…
April 17th 2025
Bonus Episode: Employability Skills - Brief Notes
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.
April 2nd 2025
Episode 3 - Getting Down To Business
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.
March 11th 2025
Episode 2 - Beyond The BTEC - ILM and City & Guilds
Episode 2 – Beyond The BTEC
This episode discusses the wider portfolio of qualifications and awards available through CV College including the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM), and City & Guilds (Professional Recognition Awards).
CV College delivers ILM Level 3 as a follow on from the BTEC, a Level 3 in Education and Training to support the delivery of youth organisation activities, and right up to Master’s Degree equivalent at Level 7. These qualifications begin to focus more on the next stage career pathway, honing specific skills and the ability to demonstrate the value of experience as part of personal development.
March 11th 2025
Episode 1 – The Journey Begins
This episode explores the vital role that Cadet Vocational College plays in delivering vocational qualifications to young people and adult volunteers in youth organisations. From BTEC Level 1 to City & Guilds Level 7, there is plenty of opportunity to earn valuable vocational qualifications.
