In early October, we were thrilled to welcome over 70 graduates to our second graduation ceremony of the year at RMA Sandhurst. This followed our Spring graduation event, ending a busy year for our adult award celebrations.
We were so pleased to be able to offer the opportunity to our graduates to come and celebrate at RMA Sandhurst, particularly as many of our learners have waited a long time for the chance.
During the ceremony, presided over by our Chairman Lord Lingfield in the Royal Memorial Chapel, graduates received their BTEC Level 3 in Education and Training, ILM Level 3, 4 and 5 and City & Guilds Professional Recognition Award certificates.
We were also privileged to be joined by Poppy Cooper, a 2021 Westminster Award finalist, who gave a short speech to thank all those in attendance for their dedication to the UK’s young people.
In addition, a series of special awards were presented to the following graduates for the best submissions in their respective fields:
Winner of CVQO Award for Most Outstanding Level 3 Award in Education & Training
Catherine Howle – Trent Wing RAF Air Cadets
The following awards were kindly sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Educators
Winner of the Award for Most Outstanding ILM Level 3 Submission
Petty Officer Debbie Farr – Southern Area Sea Cadets
Winner of the Award for Most Outstanding ILM Level 4 Submission
Lieutenant Christopher Lansdowne – Northumbria Army Cadet Force
Winner of the Award for Most Outstanding ILM Level 5 Submission
Flight Lieutenant Amy Cotgrove – Essex Wing RAF Air Cadets
The following awards were presented by Joseph Ballantine, City & Guilds
Winner of CVQO Award for Most Outstanding City & Guilds Licentiateship Submission
Mr Robert Fortt – Essex Volunteer Police Cadets
Winner of CVQO Award for Most Outstanding City & Guilds Affiliateship Submission
Alex Anderson – Royal Air Force
Winner of CVQO Award for Most Outstanding City & Guilds Graduateship Submission
Jenny Huddart – Blessed John Henry Newman College
Winner of CVQO Award for Most Outstanding City & Guilds Membership Submission
Squadron Leader Rebecca Pritchett – West Mercian Wing RAF Air Cadets
CVQO Chief Executive Guy Horridge said: “Meeting our learners is something I wish I had the chance to do more often. It puts everything we do into perspective and gives me such cause for optimism when I hear about the positive impact our qualifications have made to their lives.
“Indeed, what gives me equal cause for optimism is the launch of our CVQO Ambassador Programme later this year. The programme will welcome many learners back as instructors, helping to deliver our Level 2 qualifications. We will also be looking to extend the programme to our adult learners, as we seek to harness their thoughts, ideas and enthusiasm as to the future direction of CVQO.
“The MOD Cadet Forces and indeed all youth organisations around the UK are indispensable. They provide the opportunity to learn unique skills, gain qualifications and, above all, connect with like-minded people. Thank you so much to everyone here representing those organisations; your support is very much appreciated.”