We understand the worries that many parents have when their children say they want to become an Air Cadet and hope that we can dispel any concerns that you may have. If the information below does not answer your questions please call us on 02476 59 2286 and speak to a member of staff. We are always happy to help!

The Air Training Corps was formed in 1941 in order to train young men in skills which would be required during a career in the Royal Air Force or Fleet Air Arm.

Since those days the Corps has undergone many changes but essentially the ethos is the same and the Corps continues to thrive with over 40,000 cadets plus 10,000 staff members at over 1,000 Squadrons throughout the country.

We provide opportunities for young men and women which will enable them to go out into the world, following their A.T.C. career, with experiences and knowledge which they could not have received elsewhere.

Our Squadron is run by a team of volunteer staff who all give up their time to educate and lead young people in A.T.C. activities. The staff all have a current enhanced CRB check and are fully qualified to lead any activities which your child will take part in. Stringent Health and Safety Checks are made on all aspects of the Cadet Training and all activites are approved by our Wing (local area) Headquarters to ensure they comply with A.T.C. regulations.

You will have to sign a consent form in order for your child to join the organisation and on this form you will have the opportunity to opt out of activities that you would rather your child did not take part in. The final decision is always yours although we would encourage you to talk to a member of the staff if there is a particular activity that worries you.

At 2286 Squadron we always encourage our Cadets to put their best effort in and due to the A.T.C. being a uniformed organisation we do expect certain levels of dress and discipline, however, this will never be at the detriment of their education and we expect every cadet to put school work first! If your child can only attend once a week when school work is particularly pressing it shouldn't affect their cadet life. All we ask is that you call us and let us know!

All the parents of our cadets are able to join our Civilian Committee and therefore have an active interest in cadet activities. The committee are responsible for fundraising in order to raise money for cadet activities and they discuss other matters relating to cadet activities. The committee meets once every 2 months for an hour or so and tea and biscuits are provided! Without this team of people the squadron could not function, their role is very important.

Our Cadets have a wonderful, educative and fulfilling time in the Air Training Corps and use their experiences to demonstrate to future employers their commitment and achievements.

We believe we provide our Cadets with valuable experiences for their future and help to produce adults that are a credit to society.