Pupils who take part in cadets at school have an ‘edge’ according to a new study published by Professor Simon Denny, Professor Richard Hazenberg and Dr Claire Peterson-Young of the University of Northampton.
The report, titled ‘Getting an Edge: The Impact and Value of the Cadet Forces in Wales’ was commissioned by the RFCA for Wales, and found that participation in the cadet forces led to increased social mobility, improved educational outcomes and enhanced employability.
Professor Denny, lead author of the report (and advisory officer for The Ulysses Trust), said:
“Young people that are or have been in the cadet forces for 2 years or more develop attributes and gain skills, experiences and qualifications that give them a clear advantage – an ‘edge’ – over their non-cadet peers, in applications for further or higher education and employment.
“This edge is particularly important for those young people who are economically disadvantaged.”
The study also found that adult volunteers also benefit from being members of the cadet forces, with the skills and qualifications they gain often leading to better career opportunities.