UPDATE 21 Feb 2024:

SUMMER TRAINING: see attached link for PROBABLE summer training opportunities. If you are interested, be sure to review the material and contact the Training Officer Lt Damak ([email protected]) and provide details.
Do NOT start the process if you are not available for the training.
There are 2 week and 4 week courses which will run starting 01 Jul to the middle of Aug. We have no other information at this time besides what has been posted on the Cadets.ca website. While the intent is for all the courses to run, the reality is that some may end up getting cancelled. You may choose 3 courses but must indicate your preferences 1-2-3.
The daily CAP training for Levels 1 and 2 have been cancelled.
There is no summer training available for Level 1s - only Level 2s and above at this time.
Staff Cadets: if you are going to be 16 years old (as of 30 Jun 2024) and wish to apply for a staff position at one of the CTCs send an email to the TrgO (see above) no later than 01 Mar 24 to note your intent.

 

OVERVIEW

Every year 820 Squadron's local training runs from the last week of August to late May, and the summer training "season" typically runs from the last week of June/first week of July to mid-August. For the most part, summer training takes place at various Canadian Forces establishments and affiliated civilian facilities across Ontario. Summer training is an excellent opportunity for cadets to further develop their skills in a different environment with cadets and staff from other parts of Ontario, and sometimes other parts of Canada or the globe. The aim of this training is to complement what the cadets have learned at their home unit, and with more advanced courses there are opportunities to earn qualifications and skills that are directly transferable to future career choices. Since the primary instructors of junior cadets are senior cadets, these specialized advanced courses also strengthen the quality of instruction of the cadet program with the development of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). However, there is a selection process involved for summer training, and every year there are more applicants than there are positions available.

STARTING THE APPLICATION PROCESS

NOTE: cadets that have still not completed their Annual Verifications (or do not have current Health Cards) will not be considered for Summer Training.  See your Level Officer to see of your name is on the "outstanding list".  Same for those who must submit updated OHIP coverage.

Since there are more applicants than there are summer training positions available, there is a selection process in place. It begins with cadets applying for the courses they are both interested in and eligible for with guidance from their respective Proficiency Level Officers.  This does not apply to older cadets who enroll under the Late Joiner Policy and are eligible to be accelerated into Proficiency Level 3 or 4.  Second year and later cadets can apply for CTC courses of varying lengths, including national courses such as Glider Pilot Scholarship or International Air Cadet Exchange.   National course applications have a much more rigorous application process that includes review of secondary school transcripts, a written narrative, and an interview, among other things. Pilot Scholarships also require the successful completion of a Transport Canada examination and successful medical check. Some senior cadets may apply for summer employment as a staff cadet at various cadet training centres across the province.

SELECTION PROCESS

Cadets are selected by panels of staff operating at the provincial level and not by the local staff at the home squadron. However, these selection panels use the information provided by the squadron staff through the files maintained and recommendations made locally. Regular attendance at training nights and weekends, participation in extra-curricular squadron activities, frequent attendance at squadron events in the community, high standard in dress and deportment, and overall conduct are just some of the factors taken into consideration. The training section staff make their recommendations to the Training Officer, and the Training Officer relays this information to the Commanding Officer for approval. The Commanding Officer then prioritizes approved cadets within each course that they are applying for. The applications are then sent to the provincial level for consideration, and once first-round selections are made, they are sent back to the squadron in April (or May) to notify cadets. Applicants not selected due to space limitations are placed on a standby list that may be reconsidered during a second round if any first-round selections back out or otherwise no longer available. It is possible for cadets on the standby list to be notified of selection up to and including the second day of the course, so if cadets on the standby list are no longer interested due to making alternate summer plans, they are to immediately notify the squadron's designated Summer Contact Officer of this change.

FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION FORM

Prior to filling out an application form, each cadet should seek guidance from their respective Proficiency Level Officer (i.e. Proficiency Level 1 for first-year cadets, Proficiency Level 2 for second-year cadets, etc). Proficiency Level Officers inform the cadet what courses they are eligible and recommended for, and then cadets talk to their parents about which dates these courses are offered work best with family plans for the summer.  2024 course descriptions and dates are posted on the FB group.   Once eligibility has been confirmed, application forms will be submitted electronically by the Summer Trg Officer on behalf of the cadet.

SUMMER TRAINING ORIENTATION PRESENTATION

The squadron Training Officer (or designate) will conduct a special presentation for cadets and their parents about what to expect during the summer months sometime after the majority of first-round summer training selections have been made known to cadets (April-May). The specific date and enhancing details will be communicated to the squadron several weeks in advance to maximize attendance. Check the private FB group 820RCACS for details.

2024 Summer Trg Opportunities:

Visit the private Facebook group for details.