Viking Arms Engages Future Talent at the 3rd Annual Cadet Careers Fair
February 14, 2025
On Saturday, 8th February 2025, Viking Arms had the privilege of attending the 3rd Annual Cadet Careers Fair at York College & University Centre. This inspiring event, organised by Simon Banks-Cooper, Honorary Colonel of Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF, along with staff from the RFCA for Yorkshire and the Humber, marked the beginning of National Apprenticeship Week 2025. With over 55 employers from across the region exhibiting, the event provided an invaluable opportunity for cadets from Yorkshire and the Humber to explore career pathways and work experience opportunities.
Representing Viking Arms at the event were:
- Rich Fell, Glock firearms specialist
- Charles Robinson, Finance Controller
- Kim Marland, Operations Manager
With 53 exhibitors covering a broad spectrum of industries, Viking Arms stood out by offering an interactive experience for cadets. Our Glock training software proved to be a massive success once again, drawing crowds of eager participants keen to test their skills. This year, we took engagement to the next level by introducing a competition that allowed cadets to enter a challenge: Best of 5, recorded on a Viking Arms scorecard, which also included a QR link to our website for them to take away. At 1 PM, the winner was announced and received a special Glock goodie bag.
The enthusiasm was palpable, with queues of cadets and their superiors lining up to take part. While only cadets were eligible to enter the competition, the buzz and excitement around our stand were undeniable. Seeing the competitive spirit and determination of these young individuals reinforced the importance of events like this in fostering future talent.
The Cadet Careers Fair is not just an opportunity for businesses to showcase their industriesit serves as a vital bridge between aspiring professionals and potential employers. Viking Arms is deeply grateful to Yorkshire RFCA for inviting our team to participate in such a meaningful event. By engaging with cadets directly, we had the chance to highlight career opportunities within the defence and firearms industry, demonstrating how their discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving skills can translate into real-world careers.
Simon Banks-Cooper, founder of the Cadet Careers Fair, shared his thoughts on why cadets are uniquely prepared for the workplace:
Employers and entrepreneurs recognise that its not just academic qualifications that are key to employability. Wider experiences, generic skills, and emotional intelligence contribute to making a young person work-ready.
The cadet experience offers the development of these invaluable attributes, boosting cadets self-efficacy, esteem, and confidencequalities that employers seek when recruiting. Businesses and organisations attending todays fair understand that our cadets are prepared for a wide range of opportunities and receptive to all the professional pathways available. We are very pleased that the Cadet Careers Fair is now in its third year, and we expect continued growth in interest and engagement.
At Viking Arms, we take pride in playing an active role in shaping the future of young professionals. Our presence at the Cadet Careers Fair is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to the UKs armed forces and the individuals who dedicate themselves to service. As a proud signatory of the UK MODs Armed Forces Covenant and a Silver ERS award holder, we are dedicated to supporting veterans, cadets, and service leavers in their career development.
Rich Fell, Viking Arms Glock expert, expressed why events like this are so important:
Viking Arms is proud to support the Cadet Careers Fair. Events like this provide an opportunity to inspire and empower cadets who are eager to shape their futures. As a forces-friendly employer, supporting the cadets aligns with our commitment to fostering a future workforce of skilled, disciplined, and motivated individuals who are prepared to excel in the workplace and drive our companys success.
The 3rd Annual Cadet Careers Fair was a resounding success, and we at Viking Arms are already looking forward to next years event. Seeing the passion and enthusiasm from cadets eager to learn and grow reaffirms our belief in the importance of investing in the next generation.
A huge thank you to Yorkshire RFCA for organising such an impactful event and to all the cadets who visited our stand. We are excited about what the future holds and remain committed to supporting cadets as they take their next steps towards rewarding careers.
