Brandon University thrilled to host summer Cadet Training Centre

Brandon University (BU) will be the home base for a large group of air cadets as they soar into the city this summer.

Brandon University has been chosen by the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Northwest) to house and feed the cadets during a Cadet Training Centre program that will take place from June 26 to August 20. The agreement will also bring the cadets back to Brandon in 2023, with an option to extend the relationship to be revisited at that time. This year, approximately 80 to 100 people will be staying in Brandon, including cadets and support staff.

“We consider it a true privilege to welcome Cadets Canada to our campus this summer. In a season where things tend to be a little quieter here at BU, this group will bring great energy to our residence and ancillary spaces,” said Jackie Nichol, Manager of Ancillary Services, which operates the residences at Brandon University. “We will provide the participants with accommodations, meeting and classroom options, and space to relax and enjoy their experience here in Brandon. The benefits to our campus, our university and the wider Brandon community are far-reaching. We are grateful for the opportunity to open our doors to them.”

The Cadet Training Centres were last held in 2019, offering training for cadets who have completed their third year of training or higher. The Centres will return to in-person training this summer, with each group of cadets spending six weeks in Brandon and receiving training to qualify for their Transport Canada Gliding License.

Brandon University Director of Business Operations Susan Smale says Food Services is ready to give the cadets the royal treatment.

“We are so incredibly excited for the opportunity to provide meals for the cadets. We intend to feed them meals fit for kings and queens!” Smale said. “The cadets will be working hard during their stay in Brandon, and they’ll be looking for nutritious and delicious meals to give them energy for their busy days.

“We welcome the responsibility of feeding young people at their home away from home throughout the year, and parents know their cadets will be in good hands at BU.”

The University worked together with the Brandon Flight Centre (BFC) and Brandon First in preparing the bids. The BFC will host the training for the cadets.

“The Brandon Flight Centre is excited to welcome Cadets Canada to Brandon this summer,” The BFC said in a statement. “We have a proud history of offering professional flight training, and we look forward to working with Cadets Canada to help their graduates further their aviation dreams.  With the increased demand for pilots worldwide, it is essential that we find new opportunities to support aspiring aviators. Brandon offers a number of different opportunities to expose the cadets to the diversity of the careers available within the aviation industry. We hope this program inspires a new generation of pilots and we look forward to supporting their mission.”

Brandon First, the event recruitment and destination marketing organization for Brandon and area, is also proudly supporting the local hosting efforts put forth by both BU and the Flying Club.

“While this may not be typical style of event people are used to seeing us recruit, like a softball tournament or a curling championship, we are no less excited to have worked with BU and BFC to bring this event to Brandon,” Brandon First Interim Executive Director Jennifer Watson said.  “We can’t wait to welcome Cadets Canada to Brandon, to show them why we are known as a top-notch host city, and why Brandon Brings You Back again and again.”

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