Lorretta Painter joined the Sea Cadet Corps 25 years ago, when her eldest son joined as a cadet. She has been involved with the youth as a school assistant, Cub Scout leader and as a member of the SCC staff.

Lorretta initially joined the SCC when girls were first entered into the corps, and was named Officer in Charge of the Girls Nautical Training Contingent. She continued in this post until the contingent were fully amalgamated into the SCC.

Lorretta has since completed the City and Guilds Graduateship, and more recently the Membership in Strategic Youth Management.

“The Membership award shows a commitment to learning and a skill which is necessary in all walks of life.”

Even when she isn’t volunteering, Lorretta is involved with the SCC. She works for the Marine Society and Sea Cadets at the Sea Cadet Training Centre at HMS Excellent, Portsmouth, as co-ordinator for adult training.

“Having the City and Guilds award means I can now show the management and leadership skills I possess, which will allow me to become more involved in the teaching of first aid, something I wish to continue. For my thesis I created a programme for the expansion of first aid in the South West.”

Loretta is an ex WREN, and has two sons, both of whom were cadets and have served with the Royal Navy. She was sponsored by her employers, the Marine Society, to complete the Membership award.