As well as taking part in practical activities such as Flying and Adventure Training the ATC also operates educational schemes which aim to see cadets gain both a BTEC in Aviation Studies and a Diploma in Public Services.

494 Sqn operates a training programme that offers a good balance between the practical activities and theory study. These training sessions typically take place on Parade nights at Unit HQ. Training is progressive in nature and is designed to provide cadets initially with the knowledge they require to safely attend gliding or flying or take part in an expedition and later to address more complicated aviation subjects such as Air Navigation.

Classifications
Cadets at 494 Sqn progress through a system of classifications with an examination and award of a brassard badge upon successful completion. The classifications are described in more detail below:

First Class		During this stage cadets develop the core skills developed during their probation and study the following subjects: - History of the Air Training Corps - History of the Royal Air Force - Airmanship I - History of Flight - The No.8 Rifle - Map Reading - Communications - Initial Expedition Training - First Aid The training programme lasts for 12 weeks and at the end cadets undertake a multi choice examination paper, drill exam and weapons handling test (WHT). Upon successful completion Cadets pass out as ‘First Class’ cadets, full member of 494 Sqn. They are able to take part in all the Corps activities such as flying, gliding and annual camps, they are also moved into one of the units main ‘Flights’.
Leading		First Class cadets immediately begin training to become a ‘Leading’ cadet. This stage of the training aims to develop on the subjects covered in the First Class syllabus but in much greater depth. The subjects covered are: - Basic Navigation - Principles of Flight - Airmanship II
Senior		Leading cadets then begin training to become a ‘Senior Cadet’. To pass, cadets must take an examination in two of the three following subjects: - Air Navigation - Pilot Navigation - Propulsion
Staff		The final cadet classification is divided into two parts. The first part is theory training and upon successful completion cadets are awarded the BTEC in Aviation Studies (Intermediate Level). To complete the Staff Part I syllabus cadets are required to study two out of the following subjects: - Airframes - Satellite Communications - Pilot Navigation - Aircraft Handling - Advanced Radio & Radar - Propulsion - Operational Flying - Air Navigation Staff Part II involves training on the structure and roles of the ATC. Cadets are also taught how to plan and take a structured lesson. To pass they must successfully pass an interview with a Wing Staff Officer and present a 5 minute lecturette to a group of cadets. On completion of Staff part II cadets are awarded the yellow lanyard.

BTEC in Aviation Studies

As previously mentioned, at the completion of the Staff Part I training syllabus cadets are awarded the BTEC in Aviation Studies (Intermediate Level) and this has proved to be a very useful addition to a cadets CV when applying for either a job or college/university places.