This year the course has accepted applications from CCF cadets for the first time ever and only 12 from across the country are being accepted. Both Josh, from Corby Business Academy and Paul, from Kettering Science Academy, had an online interview before their places were confirmed. This is a huge achievement for them and shows how the calibre of our CCF cadets is going from strength to strength.

They were interviewed by Col Marc Godfrey who said: ‘Cdt Sgt Haigh soon realised that in the CCF the ‘sky’s the limit’ and he became passionate about the opportunities it gave.  He enjoyed the challenge of SCIC (Senior Cadet Instructor Cadre) and now sees the option of ‘army medic’ as a very real career choice on completion of Sixth Form and success at medical school. 

‘In interview, he was a confident young man who already leads the army section and has a great deal to offer to his contingent in the coming year.  He understood the cadet values and standards and the importance of leadership both in the cadet world and in his future life.  I have no doubt that he will continue to give a great deal to his contingent in his final time at the Brooke Weston Trust CCF.’

Of Cadet Sgt Paul Ile he said: ‘As senior cadet he feels a great sense of fulfilment in encouraging junior cadets and sees the appointment of a MC as being a significant boost to morale in the contingent.  He will be a leader, role model and unifier within the contingent. He views the cadets as something of a family, offering lasting friendships and a sense of camaraderie but also a source of growing skills: confidence, communication skills and leadership …He will be an excellent role model and I am pleased to recommend him for the appointment of Master Cadet.’

Josh, from Year 12, said: ‘This is my fourth year in the cadet force and I have developed lots of skills including teamwork, communication and leadership, as well as military skills including navigation and fieldcraft. CCF has been a massive confidence boost to me personally. I have been on lots of camps and weekends and am now in the position of running them. I have also been on the Senior Cadet Instructor Cadre course which teaches you the skills you need to teach to junior cadets.

‘A military career is definitely something I am considering. Cadets has opened my eyes to wider careers and helped me realise my potential. I’d like to do a degree in medicine and go on to be an Army doctor.

‘I am really proud to have got onto the Master Cadet course. If people are thinking of joining the cadets I would tell them to go for it, the amount that I have learned about myself and others has been amazing. It is a huge opportunity to get out of the classroom and gain practical skills. I have been really supported all the way through CCF.’

Simon Underwood, Corby Business Academy’s Principal, said: ‘We are all hugely proud of Josh and what he has achieved with the CCF. To be accepted onto this course is a huge accolade and demonstrates his dedication and determination.’

Paul, from Year 13, said: ‘I have been involved in CCF for four years. CCF has allowed me to stand up in front of people and talk to them with confidence. It has also given me leadership skills. You also get the aspect of teamwork and getting along with people. Getting onto the Master Cadet course is a massive achievement and I am very proud.’

Tony Segalini, Principal at Kettering Science Academy said: ‘Paul is a fantastic role model to our students and shows just what can be achieved with hard work, commitment and an ambition to aim high. Everyone at the Academy sends him huge congratulations on this achievement.’

WO1 Nigel Barrett from the Trust Combined Cadet Force said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for Josh and Paul. They are fine examples of senior cadets and their skills, leadership and confidence have all developed massively during their time in the Combined Cadet Force. They are a credit to themselves, their schools and to the contingent as a whole.’