Kinly, the global provider of AV integration and collaboration services and support, is delighted to announce a partnership with 862 Sunbury Squadron RAF Air Cadets. In line with our longstanding commitment to supporting the UK Armed Forces, this partnership also demonstrates our dedication to helping our local communities.
862 Sunbury Squadron is the most southerly squadron in Middlesex Wing. It currently has a squadron of approximately 50 cadets, aged between 12 and 20. Activities cadets participate in include flying, gliding, shooting, water sports, camping, visits to RAF Stations, band, climbing, sports, adventure training, first aid, and more.
The partnership has been in the works for four-months and will see Kinly support 862 Sunbury Squadron with advice about joining the military, careers guidance and charity work. In addition, we will be visiting its premises, helping to design and install systems that support communications and training.
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Scott Chamberlaine, Flying Officer RAFAC Officer Commanding 862 Squadron, and 21 cadets, aged 13-17, to Kinly. The cadets were met by Justin Paveley, Kinly’s Project Deliver Director, and former member of the Parachute Regiment, who talked them through all things AV and Kinly. In an action-packed evening, cadets were given a tour of the Kinly factory and participated in learning sessions on design, fabrication, rack build, and networking.
We also put on workstations, each staffed by a member of Kinly’s Veteran’s Programme who served in roles ranging from the Royal Navy to the Royal Engineers. Here, cadets were given the opportunity to glean from the experiences of our ex-Forces members with many asking poignant questions about life as service personnel.
This is the latest in a long line of initiatives geared towards supporting UK defence. Last year, we became the first AV company to be awarded the Armed Forces Covenant’s Silver Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The next step for Kinly is achieving Gold status, something we have been working hard towards in 2024.
Scott Chamberlaine, Flying Officer RAFAC Officer Commanding 862 Squadron, said:
“862 Sunbury Squadron RAF Air Cadets is excited to be working with Kinly to further develop our relationship and provide our young people with some great experiences throughout their cadet careers.
We are grateful for this introduction to the AV market and have already shown our cadets the extent of the works completed by Kinly. Our first evening spiked interest in AV from the cadets and we hope to continue their development throughout the coming months with the opportunity to learn new skills and show them possible pathways into this industry.”
Justin Paveley, Project Delivery Director, Kinly, said:
“Partnering with organisations like the 862 Sunbury Squadron is crucial in our mission to support the Forces, give back to our local community and provide educational opportunities for young people.
The point of this partnership isn’t to steer cadets away from careers in the military, but to provide them with access to a specialised support network of ex-Forces members who can guide them in their careers, offer insight into what it’s like to transition out of the military and explain the opportunities available to them within the AV industry.
I am delighted to have partnered with 862 Sunbury Squadron and am looking forward to building a long-lasting and rewarding relationship.”
