From cadet to mentor: how John Unsworth has spent 24 years helping young people build skills for life

For John Unsworth, Senior Prison Custody Officer (SPCO) and Culture Coach at HMP Forest Bank, joining the cadets as a teenager was meant to be the start of a future naval career.

While life took him in a different direction, the lessons he learned as a cadet have stayed with him ever since, inspiring more than two decades of volunteering to help young people develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.

Finding a new challenge

John joined his local cadet unit at the age of 14 after seeing friends already involved.

Having previously spent several years in the Scouts, he was looking for something different and quickly embraced the opportunities cadets offered.

"I got involved in water sports activities straight away and loved rowing, sailing and kayaking," he says.

Alongside adventurous activities, John took part in parades, competitions and training courses, gaining qualifications in first aid, engineering, seamanship and shooting.

One of his most memorable experiences was participating in offshore sailing voyages as part of the Tall Ships Race.

"I was lucky enough to take part in four voyages during my time as a cadet. They were life-changing experiences."

More than just activities

Reflecting on his cadet years, John believes the benefits extended far beyond the activities themselves.

"As a young person, you focus on the enjoyment, whether that's being out on the water, on the parade square or taking part in exciting opportunities," he explains.

"What you don't always realise at the time is that you're also developing confidence, leadership, self-discipline, communication and problem-solving skills."

Those qualities proved invaluable as he moved into adulthood and the world of work.

"Everything we did was helping to prepare us for the future."

Turning disappointment into purpose

John originally planned to join the Royal Navy after leaving school. However, due to medical issues related to asthma, he was unable to pursue that ambition.

After receiving encouragement from local Royal Navy veterans, he decided to stay involved with the organisation that had given him so much.

At 18, he became a Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer.

"My motivation has always remained the same: helping young people build the skills for life that others helped me develop."

That commitment quickly grew into a long-term passion.

Remarkably, at just 20 years old, John took temporary charge of his local cadet unit, a significant responsibility that included overseeing the welfare and development of dozens of young people.

What began as a temporary role lasted 24 years.

By the time he handed over command in 2023, the unit had achieved the highest assessment award for several consecutive years and had built a strong team of volunteers supporting around 35 to 40 committed cadets.

Today, John continues his involvement as a District Officer, helping assess and support cadet units across his county.

Supporting the next generation

For John, the most rewarding part of volunteering is seeing the difference cadet organisations make to young people's lives.

"Seeing the impact you can have on young people is phenomenal," he says. "Watching them grow in confidence, develop leadership skills and achieve things they never thought possible makes every minute worthwhile."

He believes the skills gained through cadet activities are more relevant than ever.

"In today's society, with the impact of screen culture and the changes we've seen in recent years, opportunities for young people to develop practical skills, teamwork and resilience are incredibly important."

Why National Cadet Week matters

John sees National Cadet Week as an important opportunity to raise awareness of the positive impact cadet organisations have on young people and communities.

"National Cadet Week helps showcase what cadets do and encourages more young people to get involved."

He also believes it shines a spotlight on the value volunteers bring and the support they need from employers.

"It highlights the importance of employers supporting Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. At the same time, it reminds organisations that cadets and volunteers often bring valuable skills such as leadership, communication, self-discipline and problem-solving into the workplace."

A lasting legacy

Looking back on more than three decades of involvement with the cadet movement, John remains passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation.

The skills, confidence and experiences he gained as a 14-year-old cadet helped shape his own future. Today, he is committed to ensuring young people have the same chance to discover their potential.

"The cadets helped build the person I became," he says. "Being able to help young people do the same is what keeps me involved."