Role: Flight Lieutenant
Company: East Belfast Squadron Air Training Corp
Track Record:
What does your job entail?
I lead a bit of a double life, with a ‘day’ job as a Contact Lens Supervisor with Northern Ireland’s leading chain of opticians and another role as Officer Commanding 1137 (East Belfast) Squadron Air Training Corps. That’s a voluntary job, but one I am absolutely passionate about. It entails managing a squadron of around twentythree cadets between the ages of 13 and 18 plus four staff. I oversee what’s happening, have a strong hands-on role and I’m responsible for ensuring that a varied and enjoyable training program is provided.
Is it 9-5?
On average it involves one evening per week and usually one weekend each month to fulfill my Squadron Commander duties but other training can take up additional time. My Squadron has just recently moved into new Tri-Service Cadet facilities at Clonaver Park in east Belfast so we’re now well positioned for a recruitment drive and planning for that to take off in September is currently adding to the work — but in a very positive way.
How did you get into this line of work?
I joined the cadets at 16 when 825 (Bangor) Squadron first started taking in girls and I never looked back. It was a natural progression for me to go on to adult staff.
Outline your career to date?
I became a Civilian Instructor at the age of 20 and then received my Royal Air Force Reserve commission in 1994 as a Squadron Officer. I then progressed to become Officer Commanding of 1136 (South Belfast) and then 1137 (East Belfast) Squadron Air Training Corps where I am now.
Tell us about your qualifications/training
Training is very structured, hugely varied and ongoing. Over the years I’ve trained — and refreshed and upgraded proficiencies — in everything from management, first aid and child protection to risk assessment and adventure training. The benefits of that training are of course transferable into the ‘civilian’ workplace and many elements of training carry recognised accreditations.
What qualities are required for your job — personal and professional?
Well you don’t actually need to know how to fly a plane to become an adult instructor within the Air Cadets, that’s the first thing … and it’s a very common misapprehension! We’re all about developing the skills and extending the horizons of young people and the qualities required for the job reflect that ethos: you need to have organisational and time management skills, a taste for adventure and two extra senses: a sense of humour and a sense of perspective!
What are the biggest challenges and rewards of your work?
Dealing with teenagers can be hugely challenging as any parent or teacher will testify, but it’s also hugely rewarding and I genuinely feel I get back even more than I put into my job.
My principal challenges ahead lie in retaining and growing Squadron numbers, working to tight deadlines and keeping both staff and cadets motivated.
The rewards are all about seeing the cadets develop and earn the skills and qualifications to equip them to do really well in life. We give them opportunity to participate in activities — usually at absolutely no cost to them or their parents — that are totally different from anything they could do in the usual run of life… getting them airborne as often as possible and fostering the spirit of the Air Cadet motto: Venture Adventure.
I’ve enjoyed personal rewards and recognition, too, and they have been highpoints of my career: receiving the Lord Lieutentant’s Certificate of Merit and the Certificate of Commendation for Meritorious Service from the Commandant Air Cadets. Last year I was honoured to be selected as Officer of the Year for Northern Ireland Wing.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
What spare time? I don’t have much but, when I do, I love to spend it just relaxing with family and friends.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
Having just said that I have very little spare time — I’m volunteering in the 2013 World Police and Fire Games. Looking forward to it as well!
Who has inspired you most in your life?
Within my personal life it would have to be my parents as they have always been hugely supportive of everything I do in every aspect of my life. Within Cadets it would be Squadron Leader Chris Hodges. He was my Officer Commanding when I first joined as a cadet and remains to do this day my mentor, encouraging and supporting me in my cadet career, always there to help me overcome any difficulties I may face and quietly pushing me always to do that little bit more …