College students graduated from the Air and Defence College (A&DC) at a formal ceremony held at RAF Cranwell.
Eight learners from the college joined Lincoln College and New College Stamford from across the region at the ceremony, which saw a total of 70 students graduate from the course.
This was the first ever cohort of students to graduate from the recently created A&DC which started two years ago. The A&DC was set up in partnership with the Royal Air Force and Defence industry partners to help young people successfully join the Royal Air Force. The course is designed to create secure career paths in the RAF, aerospace and defence industries for young people.
College student, Marcus Hodges won awards for Best Male and was voted Student’s Student, while the college’s Callum Cox won the Pursuit of Excellence award for his commitment and dedication shown throughout the year. As part of this accolade, Callum will now get the opportunity to fly with RAF Cranwell’s Station Commander Air Commodore, Peter J M Squires OBE ADC MA BEng (Hons) RAF in a Grob Tutor, one of the training aircraft used by the RAF.
College students also achieved the Gold Level Industrial Cadet’s Award, as well as six Duke of Edinburgh Bronze awards being handed out on the night.
Group Captain Paul McClurg said: “RAF College Cranwell continues to support the Air & Defence College concept at Lincoln College, College of West Anglia and New College Stamford through unique enrichment opportunities.
The graduation at the iconic College Hall Officers Mess at RAF College Cranwell, is a fitting recognition of the effort that all of the students have put into their respective courses over the last year. We wish all of the students every success in their future careers.’
Jo Evans, learning and skills lead for the A&DCC, said:
‘Since the A&DC began over two years ago, the programme has gone from strength to strength.
The strong partnership between the Royal Air Force and A&DC colleges has given our students the knowledge and skills necessary to begin their next step; working towards an exciting and stimulating career within the RAF or aerospace industry. We are extremely proud of all the students who have graduated and we look forward to see what they will do in the future.’