This weekend, in historic Dunkeld, The Army Cadet Force opened its new Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation (CVQO) Learning Centre for the Black Watch Battalion.

Honorary Colonel Lorraine Kelly opened the state of the art learning suite, which is equipped with all the latest technical wizardry required for today’s students. 

 Chief Royal Military School of Music Instructor Major Keith Roberts beamed as he presented CVQO Music BTECs on Wednesday to three Romney Marsh Air Cadets in front of nearly a thousand concert goers at Twickenham’s prestigious Kneller Hall – home of the Army School of Music. And for once the breath was taken out of Piper McDonald from 2513 Squadron ATC as they were all called forward to receive the award.

"I got involved in the BTEC Diploma when an adult was at the Detachment talking about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and they mentioned BTEC and how it was worth 4 Standard grades – at once I was definitely interested, it was really useful and gave me confidence not only in myself but at interviews and writing my CV. Standing up addressing a crowd suddenly became a lot easier for me.”

“I found both courses useful in helping me prepare for a career at sea, but also giving me the qualifications which will allow me to meet the entry criteria into the Royal Navy.”

"For part of my BTEC I was given the fantastic opportunity to spend two weekends on HMS Bristol which is based on Whale Island. These two weekends were exciting for many reasons. Firstly, the sense of achievement I felt knowing that upon completion of the BTEC I would earn the equivalent of 4 GCSEs. This for me meant a great footing knowing that employers look for that little bit extra in candidates, having a BTEC in Public Services gives me that little bit extra and something different that others may not have on their CV"