13 October 2020

CNWL’s first cohort of Nurse Cadets have started on their path towards becoming qualified nurses and healthcare practitioners.

The programme offers young people, studying Health and Social care, the opportunity to take their first steps towards becoming qualified nurses and healthcare practitioners. 

The placements allow the students to gain valuable hands-on experience with patients in District Nursing and WICU, providing a range of exposure to different areas and roles within the NHS. 

CNWL is hosting eight cadets in its first cohort. It's hoped after their placements the Cadets will either obtain employment at CNWL or go on to university and return to CNWL once they are fully qualified.

Nurse cadet schemes were originally popular in the 60s and 70s but were eventually scrapped in favour of focus on university-based training. 

Sarah Wingfield, Clinical Educator said: “We see this as a valuable first experience for young people who want to work within the health service and we are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity.”

John Culley, Director for Community Services added: This is a great opportunity for CNWL to work closely with local schools to give young people of Milton Keynes the chance of working within the NHS. This gives a taste of what the NHS can offer and may lead to a career in the NHS.”

CNWL has been working in partnership with The Hazeley Academy to deliver on-the-job experience to future healthcare workers and create career pathways for young people.

The scheme is running across the Thames Valley, combining guided learning with clinical placements at local NHS Trusts who choose to take part. 

For more information or to follow the journey of the Cadets, please follow @CadetsNurse on Twitter or @Nurse_Cadetstv on Instagram.