Why is MOD in the Youth business?
There is a need for our young people to be offered tangible and realistic opportunities for enabling them to grow and get the best possible start in life.
As MOD is one of the largest public sector organisations it is able to play a leading role in providing opportunities for young people. Indeed, the range of activities provided for and by the Cadets (which is MOD's main youth-related activity) is wider than any other United Kingdom youth organisation.
One of the reasons the Cadets are so popular is because of the unparalleled opportunities they provide in terms of team-building, leadership; citizenship and, certainly more recently, recognised education and professional qualifications. Similarly, other MOD supported activities for young people (such as work with The Prince's Trust) are all aimed specifically at helping build the lives and confidence of young people.
MOD is involved with helping young people as it recognises the part it can play in this important social agenda.
MOD Initiatives
The MOD's unique 'Education Outreach' programme is an initiative that instils life-long skills in students studying in a number of Further Education (FE) Colleges across the UK. Over 2,000 students every year, many from ethnic minority backgrounds, improve their chances of finding employment through training, mentoring and receiving an insight into the workings of a large employer. One of the core strands is mentoring and every year over 40 London-based MOD staff, military and civilian, mentor over 80 students.
Other Initiatives
MOD extends its arm to providing support and a military-themed ethos to other youth organisations and projects
These include the Army Cadet Force Outreach project, an early-intervention programme specifically designed for crime-vulnerable 12 -14 year olds and run in conjunction with local schools, police forces and community groups. It provides adventurous training and challenging activities using Army loaned facilities and equipment. It majors on confidence-building and raising self-esteem.
The MOD also lend their support to the Prince’s Trust charity. Through practical support, the Trust helps 14-30 year olds realise their potential and transform their lives. MOD supports 120 Prince’s Trust personal development programmes for young people across the UK with MOD staff, including serving members of the Armed Forces, acting as leaders/mentors.
The Cadet Forces have been involved in Youth United (formerly Project YOU) since February 2009. Youth United is a coalition of youth organisations, mainly uniformed, with the aim to reach out further in the UK to encourage more young people and adult volunteers to take advantage of the opportunities available.