Ski Instructor Qualification Opens New Opportunities for Cadets

Passionate and skilled adult volunteers in the Army Cadet Force play a crucial role in shaping confident and resilient young people. SMI Barry Woods, County Training Officer for Staffordshire & West Midlands ACF, recently earned his BASI Level 1 ski instructor qualification, thanks to the support of an ACCT UK Personal Development Bursary. His achievement directly benefits cadets and enriches the entire ACF community.

Barry’s ACF role focuses on developing a dynamic programme of adventurous training for cadets. His new qualification creates fresh, exciting opportunities for the young people he leads. With his enhanced instructional skills, Barry is preparing to launch a ski expedition in 2026. He aims to establish these kinds of experiences as a regular feature. He explains…

This means cadets who have never set foot on a mountain will soon take part in activities that build collaboration, confidence, and resilience. As Barry highlights, the training “helps develop leadership and teamwork skills in challenging outdoor settings, which individuals can then use as transferable skills.”

Barry wanted to become a qualified ski instructor to maximise his impact as an adult volunteer. “This course has improved my personal knowledge and given me new skills which I will be able to use on future expeditions when delivering training to novice or intermediate skiers,” he shares. He gained a deep understanding of how individuals progress “from beginner through to parallel skiing and how the fundamental elements feed into their development”. This understanding enriches expedition training for cadets and fellow volunteers.

By mastering these teaching skills, Barry now delivers structured, progressive skiing training to both cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs). This training tests physical ability and fosters resourcefulness, adaptability, and mutual support.

Barry says the bursary gave a “massive boost to my instructional skills and developed my own skiing technique, which will help me develop cadets and CFAV when teaching in the future.” His growth as a leader and instructor raises the quality of youth leadership within the ACF.

Barry’s approach remains holistic. He applies the skills and confidence from his training not only to adventurous training, but also to his role as a civil servant. An example of how volunteering and professional life benefit each other.

Barry praises ACCT UK for making the bursary application process straightforward. He says, “The application form was easy and the process was completed in a timely manner. ACCT UK staff were friendly and knowledgeable throughout the process.” By simplifying access, ACCT UK removes financial barriers that might prevent volunteers from developing valuable skills. This helps maintain the diversity and dynamism of ACF’s adult leadership.

Barry encourages others to apply… “Absolutely would recommend, these bursaries allow CFAVs to gain skills that can be used in their ACF careers when cost may be a barrier to gaining the additional skills that enhance the overall cadet experience.”

Barry’s journey exemplifies ACCT UK’s ethos: investing in volunteers means investing in every cadet they inspire. With his new skills, Barry is ready to transform adventurous training opportunities across Staffordshire & West Midlands ACF. He’s helping more young people discover their potential outdoors. Barry is equipping cadets with the confidence, leadership, and resilience they need to thrive in life.

Barry’s story proves that the impact of this bursary stretches well beyond personal development. As Barry says, “the skills gained don’t just raise your own standards; they help you raise others up with you.”

Any volunteer with the Army Cadet Force—regardless of rank or uniformed status—can apply for a Personal Development Bursary from ACCT UK if they need financial help to register for an adult qualification recognised by the Cadet Forces. Volunteers can use these bursaries for a broad range of qualifications… From academic achievements like City and Guilds Level 7 to skilled training such as the Archery Instructor Award.

Take the next step in your volunteering journey. Apply for a Personal Development Bursary and unlock not just your potential, but the potential of every cadet you lead.

The fund is open to those seeking to undertake training or qualifications that will benefit both their personal growth and their contribution to the ACF.

To learn more and submit your application, visit our Personal Development Bursary Fund Application page.

Join Barry and many others in unlocking your potential as an instructor. ACCT UK is here to support your journey.