For volunteers
Integral to the cadet program are the volunteers who lead, manage, motivate and train the cadets. Adult volunteers drawn from the community, are enthusiastic and friendly and have a keen interest in positively developing and shaping the youth of Australia. With training available, this is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for people who wish to support and develop Navy cadets.
If you’d like to help out, you don’t need any previous military experience. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, spanning a diverse range of age groups, cultural backgrounds and professional backgrounds. Any training you need will be provided upon joining.
Whether you have a little time to give, or a lot, you can get involved in a number of ways. From helping to prepare meals or organise activities, to mentoring Cadets on parade nights or camps.
However you contribute, you’ll be welcomed into a close-knit, supportive and friendly community of volunteers who are putting the future of our nation in good hands.
To become a volunteer you must satisfy the following minimum prerequisites:
- be an Australian permanent resident or citizen
- be at least 18 years of age
- have experience in and / or be committed to youth development, safety and leadership
- pass a National Police background check, and if applicable Australian Defence Force service check
- obtain a current a Working with Children Check
- be medically fit and active enough to supervise young people.
If you have the passion, experience and skills to help youth develop, why not contact your local ANC Training Ship for an informal chat on the ANC program and how you can help. Or contact us and someone within the ANC will be in contact with you.
FAQs
No, you do not have had to have previously been an ADF member in order to be a Navy Cadet Instructor. We have a mixture of ex-service personal, teachers or other forms of youth work, but many Navy Cadet Instructors are drawn from a very wide and diverse range of occupational backgrounds. An interest in Youth Development is key.
Navy Cadet Instructors are drawn from the local communities in which we operate.
To become a Navy Cadet Instructor, you must satisfy the following minimum prerequisites:
- complete a formal application, including a health declaration;
- undergo an interview process and check of your referees;
- undergo a National Police check of criminal charges and convictions;
- undergo a check of your military conduct record if you have previously served in the Australian Defence Force;
- obtain a clearance to work with children from the relevant State / Territory child protection agency; and
- accept the Terms and Conditions of an appointment
- commit to undertaking a week-long course (possibly away from your home) within 12mths if accepted in the organisation.
Once you are accepted as a Navy Cadet Instructor you will need to:
- Complete a swimming test every three years
- Maintain a current Working with Children Card
- Undertake mandatory training as identified by the Organisation
Navy Cadet Instructors are provided with professional training in many facets of Navy life, youth leadership, activity management and safety management.
Depending on the Training Ship that you join, you will need to commit to at least a 4-5 hours each week during school terms, either on a week night or weekend, and one annual camp which will be between five to seven-days.
Each Training Ship has a program which normally involves a weekly commitment of drill and ceremonial practice, training and practical presentations, leadership and other group activities and administrative work.
Navy Cadet Instructors do not get paid a salary or wage for undertaking their duties in the ANC. However, unlike many other youth development organisations, the ANC provides some compensation through members being able to claim a (taxable) Cadet Volunteer Payment (CVP). This is a daily rate based on your position in a Cadet Unit. Navy Cadet Instructors are permitted to claim up to a maximum of 48 days per financial year.
The ANC provides a range of training to all new Navy Cadet Instructors. There is an approved Training Continuum and timeframes for completing mandatory requirements. The initial training that we are focussed on is safety management, youth development, program delivery skills, maritime and Navy studies.
Within your first 12mths within the ANC, you are required to complete:
- Defence Youth Safety Modules (elearning)
- Induction training (completed at Training Ship)
- Instructor Leadership & Management Course (completed away from unit – you must commit to attending this 7day training)
- ADF Hazardous Chemical Awareness Course (elearning)
- Mandatory Annual Awareness Training (elearning)
Yes, all Navy Cadet Instructors hold an ANC rank. The ANC Instructor ranks are broadly aligned to the ranks of the RAN.
All new Navy Cadets Instructors join the ANC as a Defence Approved Helpers (DAH) until they complete an initial 3 month minimum induction program at a training ship. On successful completion they may be recommended for acceptance as an Officer of Cadets (OOC).
All Navy Cadet Instructors are provided with essential uniforms free of charge and on loan from the Navy. Uniforms include both Summer and Winter ceremonial dress as well as working uniforms including items of protective clothing and footwear.
Each Navy Cadet Instructor is required to maintain these uniforms to a minimum acceptable standard.
As a Navy Cadet Instructor, you will be part of a team who organises, supervises and assists with the delivery of many different types of activities and help the Cadets advance their new skills.
The Training Ships are diverse in character and size, in complement and resources, and in their typical activities. Their character, and the experience they offer, inevitably depends more on local conditions and Staff than on central administration or policy. What binds them together is a commitment to the youth of Australia.
Navy Cadets get the chance to:
- have fun;
- make new friends;
- be part of a team;
- experience exciting and adventurous challenges;
- sea-ride in Navy ships and tall ships;
- visit Navy ships and submarines;
- leadership and team building skills
- learn to take responsibility;
- be part of ceremonies such as ANZAC Day;
- develop their potential as leaders;
- participate in various maritime activities (sailing, powerboating, canoeing)
- gain Australian Sailing qualifications in power boat handling and sailing
Navy Cadets also have the opportunity to learn new skills such as:
- Seamanship;
- Navigation;
- Sailing and practical boat handling skills;
- Firearms safety and marksmanship training
- Computer skills with STEM and Cyber activities
- Drone flying
- Climbing wall and high ropes
- Rope skills including splicing, knots, block and tackle, decorative knots
- Navy drill and ceremonial activities
- Drum Corp activities
Administration is necessary to order stores and keep accurate and current records of Cadets, training reports and activities, therefore there is a expectations that some administration and computer work will be undertaken by all Navy Cadet Instructors. The level of administration will depend on your skills and also the role you are allocated to within the Training Ship.
If you are passionate about providing youth of today (13-17 years) with opportunities to develop their confidence, leadership and team-building skills that will assist with preparing them to manage the challenges we all experience in life, then this is your chance to contribute!