Introduction
Herts & Bucks Wing has adopted the BTEC which is an external cadet award.
The BTEC (Business and Technical Education Council) process is probably the single most important change in the Corps for many years. Simply by passing of their Leading, Senior and Staff Part 1 Corps exams, cadets will be issued with a BTEC GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification) Level 2 in Aviation Studies!
The BTEC in Aviation Studies award is mapped to the Corps standard syllabus so the cadets do not have to undergo any additional training at all. It is completed in three stages or levels equating to our Leading, Senior and Staff Cadet Part I examinations.
The award is at GNVQ Level II which is roughly equivalent to GCSE standard (the old ‘O’ level). It is recognised as an external qualification by employers and by the RAF as a Science qualification for entry into the Service.
The Process
Units must operate a detailed record keeping process of the cadets training activity. This is maintained on the ATC Form 3521A, the blue record card. This card must uniquely identify the cadet by recording all given names, the family name, date of birth and the gender of the cadet.
This information must then match that on the ATC Form 3521 exam record and the cadets own exam papers.
The unit must also hold a copy of the Appeals process and brief the cadets on their rights in this process. Plus advise Wing HQ of when a cadet leaves the unit.
In general this is all that is required of the unit in addition to the normal ATC exam and training process. A detailed flowchart of the unit activity for entering cadets in the exams is available from Wing HQ.
The additional paperwork and registration activity is contained within the Wing Staff team, one member being allocated responsibility for the day-to-day operation and administration of the scheme.
Registration
It is up to each unit to decide whether the unit will partially or fully fund the cost of the awards.
The Wing has also decided that it will only register cadets for the award on passing their Staff Part 1 exam. Each certification and award then costs £29.50 if registered on completion.
If a cadet leaves the Corps prior to passing their Staff Part 1 they can request that they are supplied with an interim certificate recording their achievement in the BTEC award process. This can then be used as a statement of prior learning should they wish to partake of additional college courses outside of the ACO, or rejoin the award process in another Wing. A cadet who had passed Leading would get one certificate listing just their first level success, whereas a cadet who had passed Senior would get one certificate mentioning both levels (Leading and Senior). The use of such certificates to gain access to other qualifications is known as Accredited Prior Learning or APL.
It is important to note that these interim certificates will also be issued free of charge to the cadet.
Issue of them is a right and should not be withheld