NPTC Group of Colleges has celebrated the official launch of its new Combined Cadet Force (CCF).
Llandarcy Academy of Sport hosted a special parade featuring all the cadets to mark the occasion and welcomed family, members of the local community and armed forces personnel including guest of honour the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan.
The CCF cadets then paraded, ready for inspection by the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, Mr D. Byron Lewis who was appointed in May 2008 by Her Majesty the Queen. The Lord-Lieutenant also had the privilege of awarding the first-ever cadets with medals for promotion to Lance Corporal. Both Cadets, Cameron Brown and Kieran Ace, studying Level 3 Public Services at Llandarcy Academy of Sport have gone above and beyond what was expected of them within their time as cadets and become role models to the other cadets.
Cadet Cameron Brown said, “It’s such a privilege to be one of the first cadets to be promoted to lance corporal. I joined the CCF to enhance my CV, but it’s really made more of an impact on my life with increased confidence, personal skills, making new friends and learning to be more disciplined. The CCF is a brilliant thing for anyone to get involved with – I love it!”
Our first cadets have had a very exciting year taking part in activities such as map reading, weapon handling and shooting, foot drill (marching) personal presentation skills, community engagement (Remembrance Sunday) on top of outdoor activities such as orienteering, kayaking, mountain biking. The cadets finished off the day by showcasing these skills to their proud parents.
The CCF offers students a broad range of challenging, exciting, adventurous and educational activities with the aim to develop skills in personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline. The CCF is an educational partnership between the College and the Ministry of Defence working to create well-rounded young people who are motivated and ready for the world of work and the requirements of all types of employers.
Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan was honoured to be preceding over the event. He said:
“I am very proud to be here today to welcome the new cadets to the Combined Cadet Force family, I have personally seen the difference CCF has made to cadets and am myself very privileged to be involved. I’m delighted to see so many proud families here.”
