Cadets in Enterprise: A New Generation of Young Leaders Step Forward

Last month, at 233 Squadron Pershore, something truly inspiring unfolded. A group of extraordinary young people from local Cadet Forces, joined by peers from Dudley and Malvern, became the latest cohort of Cadets in Enterprise, a pioneering programme delivered by X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) through the Soldiering On Academy. 

Firmly embedded within the Academy’s mission, the initiative equips cadets with enterprise skills, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of community impact. Through interactive workshops, challenges, and mentoring, participants are introduced to the same tools and mindset that have supported thousands of veterans, service leavers, reservists, spouses, and partners across the Armed Forces community.

From Icebreakers to Ideas 

Many of the cadets first met at an online introductory session just days before. When they came together in person, they were split into teams and tasked with developing fresh business ideas. The atmosphere quickly filled with energy and banter, as groups bonded and focused on their mission.

Teamwork, already a hallmark of cadet training, shone through, as Martin Wing, COO of X-Forces Enterprise and Soldiering On Awards, observed:

“One of the great strengths of Tri-Service Cadets is that their training gives them the confidence to communicate and step outside of their comfort zones. It was clear within 30 minutes that the groups had bonded and were focused on the mission at hand.”

Each team rose to the challenge, presenting unique concepts while fielding questions on marketing and strategy, learning that enterprise is not just about business plans, but about problem-solving and resilience.

Building Confidence, Creativity, and Community 

At its core, Cadets in Enterprise is about much more than business. It’s about confidence, creativity, and community. By encouraging cadets to think differently about challenges and opportunities, the programme helps them recognise that their voices and ideas hold real value, for their own futures and for the communities they serve.

As Ren Kapur MBE, Founder and CEO of XFE, often reminds participants, enterprise is “a mindset that empowers us to find solutions and make change happen.” For cadets, this translates into a deeper understanding that leadership is defined not by rank or age, but by action, teamwork, and resilience.

An Inspiring Day in Pershore

For Flight Officer Alex Coombe, who hosted the Pershore workshop, the experience was highly rewarding:

“It was a real privilege to host the Cadets in Enterprise workshop here in Pershore. The enthusiasm, creativity, and determination shown by the cadets was nothing short of inspiring. They embraced every challenge with energy and teamwork, proving that enterprise is as much about resilience and problem-solving as it is about business.

“I am confident that the experience will stay with them long after today, helping them not only in their future careers but also in how they contribute to their communities. To see young people from Pershore, Dudley, and Malvern come together and support one another in this way was truly uplifting.”

Looking Ahead 

This Pershore cohort now joins the ranks of future leaders who have already made their mark. Earlier this year, Cadets in Enterprise graduates proudly celebrated their achievements at the London Stock Exchange. Many have gone on to launch community projects, inspire their peers, and put their new skills into practice.

The journey for this group is only just beginning. On 9 October, the cadets will take part in an online session to refine their ideas ahead of rehearsals on 16 October. One week later, they will enter a virtual ‘Dragons’ Den’ to deliver their final pitches to a panel of XFE’s corporate partners. The programme culminates in a Graduation Ceremony on 30 October at NatWest HQ in London, forming a key part of the prestigious X-Forces Enterprise Symposium.

Shaping the Future

The Soldiering On Academy and X-Forces Enterprise are proud to support this next generation of enterprising Cadets. Their journey is a reminder that with the right encouragement, enterprise has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and shape the future.