The motto of the Air Training Corps is 'Venture Adventure' and as such the unit is one of the most active Squadron's in the ACO. Cadets regularly take part in activities such as Flying, Gliding, Adventure Training, Hill Walking, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Fieldcraft, Campcraft, Drill and Annual Camps. The training programme consists of a good mixture of traditional military operations such as drill, annual camps and basic skills mixed with the more civilian activities such as rock climbing, hill walking and social events. The aim of 494 Sqn is to develop each Cadet and Staff member, helping to develop their skills and enjoy being a member of one of the worlds leading youth organizations.

The units training programme is delivered via a planned schedule of parade night activities and training, often residential weekends and camps. The unit holds at least two training session each week which are called ‘Parades’. Parade nights are used to provide cadets with key skills allowing them to take part in the extra-curricular activities. The unit is particularly active taking part in several training weekends and week long training camps. Cadets and staff are actively encouraged to take part in all the activities the ATC has to offer.

Before Cadets can take part in a number of activities they must undergo ‘Probation’ training which consists of 3 months of core military training and instruction. More information on this subject can be found here.