Naval cadets discover study and career options in maritime, engineering and technology

LJMU hosted more than 50 cadets and adult volunteers during a day of STEM activities at its Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science.

The visit was co-ordinated by the university, the Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association for the North West of England & the Isle of Man, and the Royal Navy Engagement Team, to expand the opportunities available to local cadet groups while inspiring young minds to discover potential career options and future routes for further study.

The Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets came from units in Birkenhead, Burnley, Chorley, Liverpool, Hoylake, Manchester, St Helens, Wigan and North Wales, and spent the day undertaking activities in LJMU’s cutting-edge maritime simulation suites, engineering and robotics workshops, and general teaching facilities.

Commander Laura Wellington, Sea Cadet Corps North West Area Officer, said: “Within the cadets we’re really interested in ensuring that young people experience things that they maybe wouldn’t ordinarily get to experience in their everyday lives.

This experience at LJMU bridges the gap between say a science lesson at school, which our young cadets might deem as boring or irrelevant to them right now, to the opportunities that can be unlocked for their futures if they engage in these important STEM skills.

Commander Wellington, Sea Cadet Corps

“We’ve had the cadets in the ship simulator, seeing how that type of activity is relevant to us in the Royal Navy. We’ve been in the engineering workshops where you’ve got 3D printers making things, a robot dog that’s doing tricks in front of them, and a talking AI-powered robot head having conversations with them. Cadets have also spoken to current students making a racing car, engineering it from nothing, and then having the chance to take it out on a track and racing it.

“It’s given them experience of that relevance to our lives, showing them that when they finish school they could go to university, and when they finish university, they can get a job and do incredible things. This is a fantastic opportunity and something we hope to replicate in the future to ensure more cadets can benefit from these experiences.”

The activity was organised as part of LJMU’s continued commitment to widening access and participation in higher education, as well as its pledge to support cadet groups and adult volunteers in the community under the Armed Forces Covenant.

Inspiring students to progress

LJMU encourages the progression to higher education for everyone and works closely with local communities, including schools, to overcome barriers, supporting informed choices and introducing learners to university life. Find out more about LJMU’s outreach activities. 

LJMU’s support for the Armed Forces community

LJMU signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2021. Since then, it has appointed its first Armed Forces Champion and formed a cross-university Armed Forces Steering Group.

From research to Arts projects, to strengthening educational paths for ex-forces personnel, to widening participation in higher education through engagement with youth cadet groups. The university undertakes a variety of collaboration in this field to support the Armed Forces community.

Additionally, in August 2024, LJMU was awarded gold status under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in acknowledgement of the work being undertaken in support of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Find out more about LJMU’s pledge to the Armed Forces community