27/06/2008 BTEC students visit 10 Downing Street

27/06/2008 BTEC students visit 10 Downing Street

The UK’s top cadets visited Downing Street where they were praised by The Duke of Westminster as “outstanding ambassadors for their generation”. The visit followed the prestigious Duke of Westminster Award - an annual competition organised by CVQO (The Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation) to recognise the most outstanding cadet from four cadet forces: the Combined Cadet Force, the Sea Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Force and the Air Training Corps.

Cadets are nominated by their unit headquarters The 2007 entry was from 129 BTEC cadets from across the UK nominated for the award as individuals who possess a wide range of skills and abilities, which they have demonstrated through a consistently high level of commitment and achievement.

CVQO provides the opportunity for members of the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), Army Cadet Force (ACF), the Air Training Corps (ATC) and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) to gain internationally recognised vocational qualifications. Entry to the Duke of Westminster Award is dependent on cadets being enrolled in CVQO’s BTEC Programmes.

The five winners are now being encouraged by Edexcel to sign up for VQ Day on 23 July.

Following the ceremony the five overall winners departed for South Africa, beginning a three week expedition where they will undertake an environmental awareness course in Kwa Zulu Natal and a cultural project working with and teaching orphaned children. In addition they will visit Rorkes Drift, Isandlwana and take part in a walking safari.

"The pace of change in education is ever increasing,” said the Duke at the ceremony. “14-19 year olds are the current target for change both in the breadth and type of education being offered. In this changing environment I am more committed than ever to support CVQO in providing opportunities for cadets. By putting my name to this award I am underpinning all that is excellent about the cadet movement and the educational opportunities that young people are taking for themselves.

“Once again we have been stunned by the exceptional quality, dedication and enthusiasm of young people in our cadet forces,” commented Edward Woods, Chief Executive of CVQO and head of the selection panel.

The outright winner of the Duke of Westminster Award 2008 is 18 year old Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Lisa Eastlake, Dorset Army Cadet Force, who shone through as an extremely impressive young person and outstanding team player.

The four prize-winning runners-up are Cadet Flight Sergeant Adam Roberts, 1344 Cardiff Squadron Air Training Corps, winner of the Steve Kelbrick Prize for his enthusiasm and dedication to help and develop younger cadets. Cadet Company Serjeant Major James Denison, Yorkshire & North West Army Cadet Force, gained the Learning & Skills Council Prize presented for a cadet with exceptional commitment to community activities. The Brian Flattery Prize was won by Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Abiola Onike, South East London Army Cadet Force, cited for his commitment in helping young people to get off the streets of South East London. The Directors’ Prize winner was Petty Officer Cadet Lisa Froment, Romsey Sea Cadet Corps, for her commitment to others both within and outside the cadet organisation.

Jerry Jarvis, Managing Director of Edexcel, said:

“These cadets work incredibly hard and make a very valuable contribution to their forces and to the community. The Duke of Westminster award is a great way to celebrate their successes and to motivate other BTEC students across the country. I offer my congratulations to the winner, Sergeant Major Lisa Eastlake, and the four runners-up and encourage them all to join in the VQ Day celebrations on the 23rd of July.”

CVQO is accredited by Edexcel to deliver a wide range of qualifications that have been carefully selected to show employers and educators the wide range of skills including leadership, teambuilding, problem-solving, communication, health and physical fitness that young people and adults learn through the Cadet Forces. By offering qualifications designed to develop and improve these important practical skills CVQO aims to provide its members with greater opportunities in both the workplace and in higher education. For more information visit www.cvqo.org.