air cadet xtra
air cadet xtra
Short 50%Staffed
Don’t Forget The Paperwork 57% think that paperwork makes the job less enjoyable
50% think that ATC squadrons need more adult volunteers.
Most are happy with the standard and amount of training they receive and believe they have the right level of responsibility for their abilities, while around half of you said their ATC experiences help them in their day job and that equally employers value your involvement with the ATC. Helping young people and the opportunity ‘to give something back’ were prime motivators for adult volunteers joining the Corps. Many instructors said they could devote adequate time to being an instructor, although almost three quarters said they always or sometimes had difficulty meeting their ATC commitments, mostly because of work commitments.
1/2 Of Perks The Job
Despite the positive feedback, there are some issues that have the potential to reduce motivation and enjoyment. Administration, staffing levels and legislation are high on the agenda for uniformed staff.
More than half of you think that your ATC experience has helped in your current job.
Adult Analysis Round Up Adult volunteers feel very positive about their role and are firmly committed to their squadrons. Almost all staff reported that they enjoyed being an ATC instructor and that they were proud to be an instructor.
This may well lead to morale and retention problems, especially if there are recruiting shortfalls. Recommendations include a work-load review and re-distribution of administrative tasks – the ATC does not want to take the goodwill of adult volunteers for granted.
Cadet Analysis A total of 518 completed questionnaires were received from cadets, revealing what they think of the Corps – and what could be done better!
85% AEF
Appealing Activities
79% Shooting
Cadets selected which of the activities on offer first motivated them to join the ATC.
77% Gliding 69% Adventure training 69% DofE 60% Fieldcraft 52% Sport 51% Leadership training 44% First Aid 20% Citizenship
1st 2nd
Self-confidence Self-motivation/discipline
Corps Values
3rd
Teamwork
Senior cadets were asked to rank from highest to lowest what personal skills improved most during their time in the Corps.
4th
Leadership
Looking Forward 75% of air cadets have
already decided which career path they would like to follow.
75%
5th
Sense of responsibility
6th
Ability to communicate
7th
Value of friendship
8th
Commitment to others
9th
Trust in others
YesYes, Yes, Yes
No
And their least favourite
Cadets were asked to rate their top three favourite activities
Drill Aircraft Recognition learning about aircraft
AEF Gliding Shooting
Military In Mind 72% are considering a military career
Cadets value recruiting visits, especially formal presentations.
70% wanted more visits to RAF bases and more opportunities to meet RAF personnel.
Cadet Analysis Round Up The survey’s findings clearly show that cadets thoroughly enjoy the adventure and opportunities the ATC has to offer. Significantly, 80% said that at the time they joined, there were no other clubs or organisations that appealed to them. This suggests the ATC is able to offer young people something which they cannot find elsewhere. The fact that AEF, gliding and shooting are the most popular activities
No, No, No
supports this, although the non-military activities such as sport and adventure training continue to be very popular. Although there is evidence that some cadets have not yet had the opportunity to take part in the activities that attracted them to join the ATC, three quarters of cadets reported having an AEF – that’s up 10% on the previous survey in 2004 – and just over 55% have been gliding – that’s an increase of 5% since the 04 survey. It is obvious from the survey that maintaining the unique selling point of the ATC will be vital to improving cadet numbers and is key to influencing cadets’ career choices. To this end continued access to RAF bases, work experience opportunities and RAF recruiting staff is essential. Furthermore, there should be ample opportunities for all – especially for younger, junior cadets – to take part in the key activities such as flying, gliding, shooting and adventure training, which are rated by cadets as amongst the most appealing and enjoyable.
Sport Athletics, swimming and football are the most popular sports.