Find out about the
DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD
in the Air Training Corps
____________________

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities for young people aged 14-25.

The Award programme consists of three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each have differing criteria for entry and the level of achievement necessary to complete each award - use the badges at right to find about each level.

The Air Training Corps is the Commonwealth's largest and highest achieving operator of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. At any one time there are 15,000 cadets participating in the scheme, and 3000 Air Cadets per year gain gold, silver and bronze awards - in fact, the first ever recipient of the Gold Award was an Air Cadet. Incidentally, His Royal Highness Prince Philip is the ATC's Air Commodore-in-Chief. Air Cadets who meet the age criteria can join the award scheme, and gain the badges shown at right, to wear on their uniform.

Each award is broken down into 4 areas (5 for gold) which participants must complete successfully to receive their award. These are:-

SERVICE
Helping others in the local community.

EXPEDITIONS
Training for, and planning of a journey.

SKILLS
Demonstrate ability in almost any hobby, skill or interest.

PHYSICAL RECREATION
Sport and fitness.

RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
(Gold Award only) A purposeful enterprise with young people not previously known to the participant.

The Award is widely recognised by employers as it helps demonstrate that award holders are keen to take on new challenges, have a higher level of self confidence than their counterparts, have leadership qualities with the added experience of teamwork.

Millennium Volunteers

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award MV programme is designed to recognise the achievements of young people aged 16 - 24 who give up their free time for the benefit of others in their local communities. Activities from teaching others, peer mentoring to helping within their usual youth group can all count towards MV Awards.

MV is built on the following nine key principles, which complement The Duke of Edinburgh's Award philosophy and helps ensure that the MV programme is a quality voluntary experience:

•  sustained personal commitment

•  community benefit

•  voluntary involvement

•  inclusive

•  ownership by young people

•  variety of opportunities

•  partnership

•  quality of volunteering opportunities

•  recognition of achievements

AIR CADETS

The Next

Generation