The UK government’s recent announcement of a £70 million investment into expanding cadet forces by 30% by 2030 is set to open up opportunities for a new generation of young people. This “30 by 30” campaign, as reported by Schools Week and wider platforms, aims to provide new school and community-based units, particularly in disadvantaged areas. The initiative is not just about expanding numbers; it’s about giving young people “structure, some principles, some boundaries” to help them succeed in life, with a strong focus on boosting STEM skills through new opportunities like drone piloting.
While the funding addresses the financial side of expansion, the real transformation lies in how technology can ensure every young person, regardless of their background, can benefit. A case study from the Royal Air Force (RAF – https://tinyurl.com/ua6aeauw )
Air Cadets, a youth training program for 12 to 20-year-olds, highlights this perfectly. They faced a significant challenge widely referred to as the “digital divide”, where a lack of access to personal computing devices prevented many cadets, especially those from low-income areas, from fully participating in their training. This digital gap was a barrier to learning and a cause of self-exclusion for some.
To address this, the RAF Air Cadets turned to ChromeOS Flex and Chromebooks. This innovative solution allowed them to refresh old PCs and Macs, turning them into secure and cloud-based devices, and to provide wider devices that have unrivalled ROI and unrivalled security credentials. By organizing recycling drives and getting donations, they were able to quickly and sustainably provide over 1,500 ChromeOS devices to their units. This not only provided a level playing field for all cadets but also boosted their self-esteem by giving them the tools they needed to succeed.
With the UK government’s new funding and the proven success of solutions like ChromeOS Flex, the future of the Cadet Expansion Programme looks promising. By leveraging this technology, organizations can ensure that the investment truly transforms the lives of all young people, breaking down barriers and providing them with the skills and confidence they need to become successful contributors to society.
The partnership with technology providers such as www.c-learning.net is key to making this a reality, demonstrating how a financial commitment paired with a smart technological solution can have a profound and lasting impact.