West Mercian Wing is powered entirely by volunteers. From running parade nights to managing our charitable funds, everything we do for young people relies on people giving their time.
Volunteer Instructor
Around 12 hours a month
Volunteer Instructors work directly with cadets, helping deliver activities such as aviation, leadership, adventure training and community events. You don’t need military experience – just enthusiasm for supporting young people.
- Around one evening a week (plus occasional activities)
- Work directly with young people aged 12–19
- Full training provided
- Uniformed and civilian roles available
- Based at your local squadron
- Minimum age of 20 years
Next steps
Trustee
Around 12 hours a year
Trustees don’t work directly with cadets. Instead, they support squadrons behind the scenes by managing finances, governance and fundraising – helping make sure each squadron has the equipment and opportunities they need.
- A few meetings per year
- No youth work involved
- Role includes finance, governance, fundraising and general support
- Ideal if you can’t commit weekly but still want to help locally
- Skills from business or community life are especially valuable
- Minimum age of 20 years
Next steps
What if I can’t commit regularly?
If you can’t commit to volunteering or becoming a trustee, you can still support local Air Cadets in other ways – from donating equipment to offering professional expertise.
What you don’t need
- You don’t need military experience
- You don’t need to be a parent or carer
- You don’t need specialist qualifications
- Training and support are provided
Why people join
- Give young people opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have
- Be part of your local community
- Learn new skills
- Make a real difference close to home
Ready to take the next step?
News
- Wrekin Air Cadets Celebrate Growth and New Leadership
1130 (Wrekin) Squadron has held its Annual General Meeting, celebrating a year of growth, community engagement, and renewed momentum from its Board of Trustees. At the meeting, Rebecca Zacharek was re-elected for a second term as Chair, alongside the election of new Treasurer Gemma Smitherman-Dack. Rebecca Zacharek, Chair of Trustees 1130 (Wrekin) Squadron said: “Our… Read more: Wrekin Air Cadets Celebrate Growth and New Leadership - Oswestry Air Cadets Celebrate Successful Year
1165 (Oswestry) Squadron has held its Annual General Meeting, reflecting on a year of achievement, investment, and expanded opportunities for local cadets. At the meeting, Chair Andy Mayne, Treasurer Harriet Egerton-Davies, and Secretary Nadine Wilde were all re-elected to continue leading the squadron’s connected charity and supporting its ongoing development. The squadron has also recently… Read more: Oswestry Air Cadets Celebrate Successful Year - Ludlow Air Cadets Celebrate Success and Seek Support
Annual meeting highlights achievements and need for trustees 333 (Ludlow) Squadron has held its Annual General Meeting alongside its latest awards evening, celebrating the achievements of its cadets while highlighting the need for additional community support. The event saw a full hall of parents and carers come together to recognise cadet success, with certificates and… Read more: Ludlow Air Cadets Celebrate Success and Seek Support - Leominster Air Cadets Celebrate Community Support at Annual Meeting
151 (Leominster) Squadron has marked another successful year of supporting young people, with strong fundraising, community engagement, and continued volunteer commitment highlighted at its recent Annual General Meeting. The meeting brought together trustees, parents, carers, and local representatives to reflect on the squadron’s progress and the impact it continues to have within the community. New… Read more: Leominster Air Cadets Celebrate Community Support at Annual Meeting - Trustees Invest £11,400 to Support Cadet Training Across the West Midlands
West Mercian Wing Trustees have allocated £11,400 of charitable funding to support cadet training and activities across the area for the 2026/27 training year. The funding, overseen by the Wing’s volunteer trustee board, will support a range of activities delivered by volunteer instructors, helping to enhance opportunities for cadets beyond core provision. Earlier this year,… Read more: Trustees Invest £11,400 to Support Cadet Training Across the West Midlands