London-Birmingham Edgbaston MP Preet Kaur Gill has welcomed a significant £70 million government investment designed to dramatically expand cadet opportunities across the United Kingdom, with Birmingham set to benefit from the ambitious new initiative.
The Labour Government’s “30 by 30” campaign aims to grow cadet forces by 30% by 2030, creating opportunities for more than 50,000 additional young people to develop essential life skills, including confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
“I was proud to welcome this major announcement from our Labour Government this week,” said Ms. Gill. “This investment represents our commitment to backing the ambitions of our young people, no matter their background, and building strong communities from the ground up.”
The expansion comes at a time when cadet programmes are evolving to meet modern challenges and opportunities. The initiative will introduce cutting-edge training in areas such as drone technology and cyber skills, preparing young participants for emerging career paths in the digital economy.
In a groundbreaking development, RAF cadets will become the first youth organisation in Britain to be certified for drone pilot training, marking a significant step forward in youth aviation education.
“Cadets already make a huge difference in our communities,” Ms. Gill explained. “They help young people develop teamwork, leadership, and friendships that last a lifetime. Now, with new opportunities in areas like drone technology and cyber skills, cadets will also be preparing for the jobs of the future.”
The Birmingham MP emphasised that the programme’s expansion is designed to be inclusive and accessible, targeting young people from all backgrounds across the constituency and beyond.
Ms. Gill has encouraged both young people interested in joining cadet programmes and potential adult volunteers to get involved in the expanding opportunities. The initiative represents one of the largest investments in youth development programmes in recent years.
The cadet expansion is part of the Labour Government’s broader strategy to invest in young people and strengthen community ties across the UK. Local cadet units in Birmingham are expected to benefit significantly from the increased funding and resources.
Further details about how to get involved in cadet programmes in the Birmingham area are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as the “30 by 30” campaign begins its rollout nationwide.