Cadet forces in Dunedin will be able to get something more
from their training this year, with New Zealand
Qualifications Authority (NZQA) credits being available for
the first time.
Everything from a knowledge of the New Zealand Defence Forces
to knots and lashings, abseiling, first aid, aviation and
aviation history are subjects in which cadets can gain
credits.
A group of nine new recruits were getting an introductory
course at Dunedin's Kensington Army Hall last week, learning
the basics for what is a three-year course.
The NZQA describes its National Certificate in Cadet Forces
(Foundation Skills) as recognising the skills and knowledge
acquired by corps members within the context of the New
Zealand Cadet Forces programme: the Cadet Corps, Air Training
Corps and Sea Cadet Corps.
The qualification had compulsory standards designed to assess
core Cadet Forces skills including foot drill, firearms use
and operation of a radio telephone, with compulsory standards
in self-management, health, and writing skills.
Air Training Corp Cadet Unit Commander Joni Simpson, of
Dunedin, said the credits did not give the recruits "right of
passage" to the defence forces but, apart from the skills
learned, it did allow them to discover what was on offer in
terms of careers.
The Air Training Corps course included camps where recruits
learned bushcraft, and also featured trips to Omarama to
learn about gliding and some powered flights.
Some cadets had progressed to solo flying in both.
The corps had approximately 35 cadets, and many stayed more
than the three years, Squadron Leader Simpson said.
She saw a lot of changes in the young people who attended,
"from a quiet kid when they first start, to a confident,
self-disciplined individual".
david.loughrey@odt.co.nz
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