MP Gareth Snell welcomes UK’S first-ever National Cadets Week

Gareth Snell, Labour and Co-operative MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central has welcomed the UK’s first-ever National Cadets Week and paid tribute to cadets and volunteers who make a difference across Stoke-on-Trent Central.

As Britain marks the first-ever National Cadets Week, beginning on 5 October 2026, cadets and volunteers across the country will be celebrating the positive impact cadet forces have on young people and local communities.

The week will showcase the work of cadets and the dedicated adult volunteers who help equip the next generation with the skills, confidence and sense of service needed to make a positive contribution to society.

Cadet forces help young people develop confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills that support them in education, employment and later life. Through the cadets, young people can also achieve nationally recognised qualifications such as BTECs, first aid certificates and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Increasingly, cadets are also gaining valuable experience in STEM, cyber and technology subjects, helping prepare them for the jobs and industries of the future. There are five Ministry of Defence-sponsored cadet forces, including the Army Cadets, RAF Air Cadets, Sea Cadets, Combined Cadet Force and Volunteer Cadet Corps. Together, they support around 137,000 cadets and 28,000 adult volunteers across the UK.

The Ministry of Defence has set an ambition to increase cadet participation by 30 per cent by 2035 and will shortly publish its first Cadet Action Plan.

National Cadets Week will place a particular emphasis on recognising the contribution of adult volunteers and highlighting the practical skills, including first aid skills, that cadets develop through their service. Each day of Cadets Week has a different theme, and on Saturday 10, many cadet units will be holding open days for interested young people, families and future volunteers.

Gareth said: “National Cadets Week is a chance to recognise the outstanding commitment and achievements of cadets and adult volunteers across Stoke-on-Trent.

“The cadet movement plays a vital role in helping young people develop confidence, discipline and valuable life skills, while encouraging teamwork and a strong sense of community. I would like to thank everyone involved in our local cadet units for all they do and encourage more young people to explore the opportunities that cadet forces can offer.”