Surprise award to PC who has been working hard to support our cadets

A PC who is working to support police cadets to get a free qualification that will boost their future careers, has himself been surprised with an award.

Aged from 13 to 18 years old, our cadets serve their communities while gaining experience that helps them with whatever career they choose.

In 2022, the group started working with The Cadet Vocational College, giving senior cadets (16 to 18 years old) the chance to work for either a BTEC level 2 extended certificate or BTEC level 2 extended Diploma certification – for free.

Every single Warwickshire cadet who undertook this qualification has passed with flying colours.

As a vocational qualification officer, PC Lee Marston has been working tirelessly to support the cadets as they work through the BTECs.

And on the evening of Thursday, 23 January, he was surprised with a Gold VQ Officer Certificate of Achievement and a Chief Executive’s coin.

PC Marston said: “It’s a great privilege to receive this award. We’re the first Police Cadet scheme to receive this recognition and I was told that I'm only the third person to receive this certificate and coin in the UK.

“The award isn’t just about me – I’m lucky to be supported by my co-cadet leader, PSCO Stephanie Norman and all my voluntary cadet leaders.

“The team and I couldn’t be more proud of the cadets. They all work so hard and we’re absolutely not surprised that we’ve seen a 100 per cent pass rate.”

Want to learn more about the role our cadets play? Click on this link to read Archie’s story: Behind the Badge - "Would I be the youngest? Would I fit it? How awful would marching be?" | Warwickshire Police