West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has endorsed an initiative that will see more than 500 young people learn how volunteering for a uniformed organisation can significantly boost their confidence and employability. The mayor visited Q3 Academy in Tipton to participate in drill practice with RAF air cadets and witness the work of Youth Organisations in Uniform (YOU) West Midlands.
Mayor joins cadets at Tipton school
During his visit last week, Parker joined pupils and air cadets at Q3 Academy to champion the benefits of volunteering for uniformed groups. The event highlighted the potential for such activities to improve job prospects by developing skills needed in the modern workplace.
The workshops, run by YOU West Midlands, are made possible through Department for Education funding in partnership with the Careers Enterprise Company and secured by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). By the end of the year, more than 500 young people from 50 schools will take part.
Mayor: Volunteering builds skills and pride
Richard Parker said: "Tackling youth unemployment by giving young people the skills they need for the modern workplace has been my priority since day one. Work experience and volunteering help young people to build the confidence, resilience and practical skills they need to land a great job, and joining a uniformed organisation is one of the best ways of doing that."
He added: "I've seen real energy and dedication here today. Those taking part have shown the power of volunteering in not only helping young people achieve their full potential but in generating the pride in place that comes from being an active member of their local community."
Impact of uniformed youth organisations
Latest figures from YOU show there are more than 30,000 young people involved with the 11 uniformed youth organisations active in the West Midlands, supported by more than 8,500 adult volunteers. WMCA said research indicated that being part of a uniformed organisation can significantly boost a young person's confidence and life skills.
A recent report by the University of Nottingham on the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) found that participation improved well-being, social skills, resilience, and confidence, and helped reduce school absences and exclusions.
Cadets share their experiences
Thirteen-year-old air cadet Jack Price, a pupil at Q3 Academy, said: "Being a cadet has opened up so many experiences for all of us. We get to fly aircraft, take part in leadership activities and do loads of other exciting things. It teaches you discipline but it's not about people shouting at you all the time like some people think. It's about helping you become the best version of yourself and achieve your full potential."
Fellow pupil and air cadet Joanna Oladokun, aged 14, added: "When I first joined, I'd always been quite a shy person, so I wanted something that would push me out of my comfort zone, help me speak to different people and build my confidence. It teaches you a lot of skills that help you move on into work or further education. Things like organisation, discipline and confidence are all skills that I probably wouldn't have developed as much without being a cadet."
Broader benefits for the community
The school visits are designed to demonstrate how volunteering can provide valuable work experience and improve job prospects. The initiative also aims to foster a sense of community pride among young people. The mayor's visit to Q3 Academy was part of a broader effort to encourage youth participation in uniformed organisations across the West Midlands.
