Ryan is helping young people to build their resilience and confidence

A former Telford College student is helping young people to build resilience and confidence through high-profile roles with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

Ryan Phillips is passionate about supporting the next generation and giving back to the community – and is urging other young people to consider following in his footsteps.  

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without joining the Royal Air Force Air Cadets,” he said. “It shaped what I studied at Telford College, helped me grow in confidence, and set me on a path to the career that I have now.”

Ryan, originally from Wolverhampton but now living in Telford, says he is proud to be chairing the West Mercian Wing of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and to also be involved as a volunteer with Cosford Air Cadets.

“Cadets gain a huge advantage in education, work and confidence,” said Ryan, who has also just become a community governor at Idsall School in Shifnal.

He graduated from Telford College with three distinctions from his BTEC games and software development course. “That time really laid the foundation for my professional journey and passion for education and community impact,” he said.

“Since then, I’ve spent over six years in roles focused on supporting young people – both directly through youth programmes and indirectly through partnerships in education.” 

He is currently the training and engagement manager for the Midlands at Ygam, an award-winning education charity working to safeguard young people from gaming and gambling harms. 

“I work closely with educational organisations to build resilience in young people, a mission I care deeply about.”

Outside of work, 28-year-old Ryan became a trustee with the RAF Air Cadets at the age of 20, after reaching the maximum age for taking part in the youth cadet programme.

He is bucking the trend – according to the Charity Commission, fewer than 2% of registered charities have one or more trustees aged 18–24.

“I believe young trustees bring a wealth of lived experience, insight and perspective that can balance and enrich charity boards,” he said. 

“Unfortunately, many still assume trustees must be older or well-established in their careers – yet younger trustees can offer unique value and are often underrepresented.”

Within the RAF Air Cadets, the only requirements to become a trustee are to be aged 20 or over and to be willing to give around eight hours a year.

Ryan sees it as an ideal opportunity for students or early-career professionals to develop governance experience and give back to their community.

In February this year, he was elected chairperson of West Mercian Wing – a governance role that supports over 150 trustees across 27 squadrons in Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, the Black Country… and even Cyprus. 

“I’ve also recently launched a leadership development and mentoring programme for cadet leaders at Cosford Squadron to help them grow into confident young leaders.

“The RAF Air Cadets offer young people exciting opportunities for personal and professional development, and I really would encourage young people to consider taking a voluntary role.

“It is dedicated to fostering leadership, discipline, and personal development through aviation, adventure, and teamwork. Our core beliefs are built on the principles of respect, integrity, service, and excellence, aligning with the values of the Royal Air Force.

“We promote an inclusive and supportive environment where cadets, adult volunteers and trustees can develop confidence, skills, and friendships.

“Whether you have experience in fundraising, governance, building corporate partnerships, or simply a willingness to get involved and make a difference – we’d love to hear from you.”

Find out more at https://www.wmwatc.org/trustee