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ClubEngineering Development Trust (EDT) / Industrial Cadets

Industrial Cadets school programmes: Challenger, Bronze and Gold Mentored Projects

Schools can enquire to run Industrial Cadets STEM experiences and mentored industry projects for their students. Challenger Experiences are delivered in school for Years 5 to 10, the Bronze Mentored Project is a 12-week project for Years 8 and 9, and the Gold Mentored Project is a 50-hour project for Year 12. Students who complete a programme earn a nationally recognised Industrial Cadets award.

By the Born to Engineer editorial team Checked

At a glance

Run by
Engineering Development Trust (EDT) / Industrial Cadets[1]
Who it’s for
Challenger Experiences: Years 5-10 / P5-S3 (aged 12+ per the page). Bronze Mentored Project: Year 8-9 / S2. Gold Mentored Project: Year 12 / S5-6. A teacher or school enquires; students do not apply alone.[2][3]
Entry
A teacher or school enters
Worth
An Industrial Cadets award (Challenger, Bronze or Gold level), and for the mentored projects a mentor from a partner company, career insight and a nationally recognised award for applications.[4]
Cost
Challenger Experience: £2315 (bursaries/sponsorship may be available). Bronze and Gold Mentored Projects: School admin cost (bursaries / sponsorship may be available).[5]
Year groups
Year 9, Year 10, Year 12
Where
England, Scotland (Delivered in school)
Format
In person
Funding
Bursaries or funding available

Sources

5 sources

  1. Engineering Development Trust

    School groups | EDT Industrial Cadets

    All students who complete their Challenger Experience will gain an Industrial Cadets Challenger Award.

    Checked 24 October 2026

  2. EDT (The Engineering Development Trust)

    School groups

    Age group - Year 12 / S5-6. Structure - 50 hours of project-based work experience supported by an industry mentor.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  3. Engineering Development Trust

    School groups | EDT Industrial Cadets

    Age group - Year 8-9/ S2. Structure - 12 weeks in school project supported by an industry mentor.

    Checked 24 October 2026

  4. Engineering Development Trust

    School groups | EDT Industrial Cadets

    students will graduate as Gold-level Industrial Cadets, earning a nationally recognized award that can enhance their future applications and career prospects.

    Checked 24 October 2026

  5. Engineering Development Trust

    School groups | EDT Industrial Cadets

    Cost- £2315 (bursaries/sponsorship may be available).

    Checked 24 October 2026

Details checked by the Born to Engineer editorial team. Always confirm dates on the provider’s site before applying.

Apply any time

Schools enquire at any time; no deadline published on the page

Apply on etrust.org.uk (opens in a new tab)

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Worth
Hands-on aerodynamics, electronics and build skills through a national governing body with local clubs and instructors.
Who
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Entry
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When
Join any time. 2026 membership expires 31 December 2026.

Visit bmfa.org (opens in a new tab)Details: BMFA model aircraft and drone clubs (youth membership and free trial flight)

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Cost
Free to attend. Travel is not paid for (not rechecked).
Who
Young people aged 13 to 16 of all abilities.
Entry
Students apply themselves
When
Each club sets its own timing, and some are closed for the current year. No general deadline.

Visit saturday-club.org (opens in a new tab)Details: National Saturday Club: Science and Engineering clubs

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Worth
Weekly squadron evenings and activities including flying, expeditions, target shooting and cyber skills, plus skills and confidence for education or a career in the Services or elsewhere.
Who
Aged between 12 and 17, and in Year 8 or above in England and Wales, or Year 9 in Northern Ireland. Cadets can stay until they are 20 but must be within these age brackets when they join.
Entry
Students apply themselves
When
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Visit raf.mod.uk (opens in a new tab)Details: RAF Air Cadets: join a local squadron (ages 12 to 17)