Julie Feest, CEO of EDT, the STE(A)M education charity that provides national co-ordination for Industrial Cadets says: “His Royal Highness’s agreement to become patron is an enormous honour for the programme, and therefore a milestone in the development of what is now a significant force in inspiring young people into careers within industry. The programme encourages young people to develop the skills and qualifications which will be needed by UK industry in a time of rapid technological change.
“The Industrial Cadets have always appreciated the interest and encouragement that His Royal Highness has given to this developing programme,” she adds. “To have The Prince of Wales as our patron is the next step in a strong relationship in which the Industrial Cadets have benefited enormously from His Royal Highness’s insight and experience.”
Industrial Cadets works with a wide range of employers and schools, accrediting diverse programmes at a range of award levels from one-day activities at ‘Challenger’ level, through to a year-long placement at ‘Platinum’ level. Industrial Cadets accreditation assures employers that their programmes with young people are giving optimum value and impact. Industrial Cadets also gives the young people involved a valuable endorsement to their CVs that is understood by employers nationally and encourages them on a journey to complete many industry activities.
In total, 33,000 young people have ‘graduated’ from Industrial Cadets accredited programmes and an ambitious expansion plan targets 500,000 by July 2021, if the right partners and support can be established.
