The county, in conjunction with CVQO (Cadet Vocational Qualifications Organisation) can offer a BTEC in Public Services to all cadets who are aged between 16 and 19 years of age.

This qualification is worth 4 GCSE’s grades A*-C and is graded throughout as Pass, Merit and Distinction.  The course mixes theory and practical elements with an emphasis on leadership, teamwork, communications, problem solving and fitness and takes into account all the APC qualifications completed by the cadet.  It also takes into account any external courses i.e. Duke of Edinburgh Award, Bronze, Silver and Gold; recognised adventurous training expeditions e.g. Ten Tors, Nijmegen; Signals courses both at County level and Blandford courses; First Aid courses with both St Johns and HSE (Health and Safety Executive) as well as JCIC, SCIC, Master Cadet and Cadet Leadership courses run through the National Cadet Training Centre at Frimley.

Cadets are required to complete a Project and Workbook supplied by CVQO in a specified time following registration.  This can be done either by attending a specific BTEC course, or alternatively may be done on a company weekend (by prior arrangement with Company HQ and Capt Carter).  All other sections within this qualification are covered by the APC training and courses outlined above.  There is no additional work to be done once the project and workbook have been completed.

The course runs through the academic year with registration completed from August through to mid October.  Projects must be completed by the following February.  Cadets have two years to complete the qualification so if they miss the first year, they may submit their project for the following February.  This however is not recommended and I would urge all cadets to ensure that the project is completed in the February after registration. 

On enrolment cadets must have completed their two star APC, be working towards three star and ideally have attended and passed their JCIC.

If cadets wish to enrol for this qualification they may either obtain an application form from the CVQO website (www.cvqo.org) or by contacting Capt Carter on btec@hantsandiowacf.org.uk or by speaking to your company Training Officer / BTEC rep. 

Adult Qualifications
There are several qualifications available for all adult instructors.
There are several NVQ’s available for those interested in First Aid training and assessing.

Institute of Line Management – Level 3 Award – Cost £130

This is available for those adults attending the KGVI course.  Registration must be done at the commencement of the course and each applicant must finish the KGVI course and produce a 1000 word assignment within 1 month of finishing the course.  The assignment will be work based and will contain the following elements:

Those who complete the course and who are adjudged to have the relevant competencies will be awarded a certificate confirming their qualification.

City & Guilds Institute
The remaining 3 qualifications for adults are assessed through criteria with the City & Guilds Institute.  They are:
Licentiateship – Level 4 – Foundation Degree
Graduateship – Level 6 – Honours Degree
Membership – Level 7 – Masters Degree
At each level the individual will be assessed on their cadet career based on certain criteria.  More information may be obtained from the CVQO website.  Costs vary from £130 to £500.  Recipients of each award will be invited to the annual graduation ceremony held at either Sandhurst, Dartmouth College or RAF Cranwell.  All recipients are invited to wear the academic gown related to their qualification and to post nominals after their name eg. LCGI, GCGI, or MCGI.