Role and Responsibilities at 2344 Squadron:
- Training and Education:
- Leadership & Adventure Training: CI Treleaven delivers a range of sessions aimed at developing leadership skills, teamwork, and adventure training for cadets. These are key components of the Air Cadet Progressive Training Syllabus (PTS), which helps cadets build character and personal growth.
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE):
- Lead Facilitator: CI Treleaven plays a leading role in facilitating the DofE Award program at 2344 Squadron for both cadets and staff. He is qualified to supervise and assess Bronze and Silver level expeditions, which are an essential part of the DofE Award journey.
- Mentoring and Guiding Cadets:
- Beyond formal training, he also provides mentorship, guiding cadets through their personal development, helping them reach their full potential in both their cadet roles and their DofE achievements.
- Administrative and Support Roles:
- CI Treleaven assists with Health and Safety protocols, supports Mechanical Transport on activities, and contributes to the administration of the squadron’s activities, as well as Wing level Annual Camps. This helps ensure that the squadron operates smoothly and safely.
- Basic First Aid Training:
- CI Treleaven is also a qualified First Aider and delivers his knowledge of this to cadets. This training is essential for ensuring cadets have the skills to respond effectively in emergencies, whether during outdoor activities, expeditions, or everyday situations. His role in teaching first aid complements his broader mission to prepare cadets for real-world challenges by equipping them with the knowledge to protect themselves and others.
- Health and Safety Expertise:
- NEBOSH National General Certificate: CI Treleaven has also achieved the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, a highly regarded qualification in the field of health and safety. He received support from the Air Cadet Charity to complete this qualification, further enhancing his ability to ensure that cadets and staff alike operate in a safe and well-managed environment.
Civilian Instructor David Treleaven’s Background:
- Royal Air Force Air Cadets Career:
- David’s journey in the Air Cadets began with 1313 (Whickham) Squadron, where he progressed to the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer.
- Achievements: He earned the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, with the Gold Award culminating in a memorable trip to Buckingham Palace. Additionally, he had the opportunity to fly in both a Puma Helicopter from RAF Benson and a Chinook from RAF Odiham.
- Lowland Expedition Leader: In 2019, David gained the Lowland Expedition Leader qualification through North Region RAFAC, which equips him to lead and supervise cadet expeditions in challenging environments.
- Transition to Civilian Instructor:
- After reaching the upper age limit for cadet service, David became a Civilian Instructor at his home squadron, 1313 (Whickham) Squadron, focusing on Adventure Training and DofE whilst deputising as Squadron Adjutant.
- He later transferred to 2510 (West Denton) Squadron, where he took on an interim role as Squadron Training Officer, utilising his skill set there before joining 2344 Squadron in December 2024.
- Further Qualifications:
- In addition to his adventure training qualifications, David has earned the Assessor Award for the National Navigation Award Scheme and sometimes runs courses to teach cadets basic navigation skills in the field.
- Minibus Driving License: He attended the Defence School of Transport to acquire his Minibus Driving License, further enhancing his ability to support cadet activities.
- Day Job as a Senior Lecturer:
- In his professional career, David is a Senior Lecturer of Mechanical Engineering at a Further Education College, where he trains apprentices and full-time students in a variety of engineering courses alongside continuing his own development as an education professional.
- Previously, David undertook an apprenticeship and worked as a CNC Machining Centre Operative in the manufacturing engineering industry. The highlight of his career in this role was during the Covid-19 Pandemic, where he supported the effort to rapidly manufacture vital ventilator parts to support patients in hospitals across the UK.
- His background in manufacturing engineering and teaching aligns well with his role as a Civilian Instructor, allowing him to apply real-world knowledge in both technical subjects and personal development training for cadets.