What an amazing achievement for Cadet Corporal Alex Gill of Spondon Detachment, D Company, this week!
Cpl Gill is one of 20 finalists in an annual competition which recognises the achievements of young people who are determined, always keeping their heads up and remaining positive through adversity; those who have overcome a personal challenge or gone the distance to help someone.
He was nominated by his Detachment Commander, SSI Julie Smith, following a recommendation from his former County CVQO Officer, Capt Shergold, as one of the best cadets on the Derbyshire 2020 BTEC Intake! He has overtaken cadets from all other cadet services including RAF Air Cadets, Police, Fire and St Johns Ambulance cadets, Sea and Marine Cadets amongst others to show his fantastic leadership skills and his ability to both work in and lead a team. The selection for the multi-stage Westminster Award competition began in November 2020 and will culminate in the finalists going on an expedition in Cornwall, and attending a House of Lords lunch in September.
Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation (CVQO), offers a broad range of vocational qualifications that are designed to recognise the work undertaken by young people within youth organisations. Derbyshire Army Cadets are encouraged to enrol on BTEC courses in teamwork, and ILM courses in leadership.
Cpl Gill, said "After getting notified that I was nominated at Stage 1, I was then selected to go onto Stage 2. I was given the task of telling CVQO about myself, what I do to give back to the community and why I think I should have the opportunity to move on to win. They also ask you what ideas you have in mind to help people in need such as schools, young people and vulnerable people. You are encouraged to do this in a creative way by letter, PowerPoint, video or song. I progressed on to Stage 3 but this year, due to Covid-19, the competition continued online. We completed teamwork and leadership tasks, and began ILM Level 3. It was amazing hearing everyone’s stories, meeting people from all over the country, having a laugh and being inspired by them."
SSI Smith, said "I’m super proud to have nominated this upstanding young gentleman and see him get to the final stage of the Westminster Award. He strives for the best and helps other cadets realise their potential and volunteers for everything. He also helps outside of cadets with SSAFA and his neighbours with shopping, he just generally makes time for others that need a little help. So proud that he has got to the final stage and I have everything crossed for him to be announced as overall winner!"
A huge achievement for Alex and for Derbyshire ACF and we are very proud of him. Congratulations Alex!
Interested in boosting your CV & career opportunities? Ask your Detachment Commander about CVQO courses available to you. Visit the CVQO website: https://cvqo.org/
