Young people urged to join NHS cadets

England’s Chief Nurse has encouraged young people to become NHS Cadets and gain valuable experience of volunteering in health and care.

The programme, launched last year by NHS England and St John Ambulance, helps teenagers to develop the skills needed for an NHS career by volunteering in vaccine centres, supporting elderly people in the community and undertaking first aid training.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the first group of teenagers to complete the programme, Ruth May said they would be ‘welcomed with open arms’ if they decide to pursue a career in healthcare. The Chief Nursing Officer for England also urged all those receiving A-level results next week to consider a career in the NHS.

From September this year there will be more than 55 NHS Cadet programmes running across 30 sites, accepting more than 1,000 cadets on the foundation pathway for 14 to 16-year-olds, and around 500 on the new advanced pathway for 16 to18-year-olds.

May said: “Despite the challenges of the pandemic and the impact of lockdown on their learning, the young people graduating today have embraced the NHS Cadet programme with the kind of enthusiasm and commitment that is crucial for a career in the NHS.

“I hope all of the cadets have been inspired by their experiences and if they decide to continue their path in healthcare – whether as a doctor, nurse or midwife, or in one of the many other roles available – they will be welcomed with open arms.

“As we come into the summer holidays, there has never been a better time to join up and there are thousands of places up for grabs – find out more by emailing NHSCadets@sja.org.uk. And with A-level results landing next week I would urge young people thinking about their future to consider a career in the NHS – there are more than 350 to choose from. It is not always easy but it is always rewarding and becoming a nurses is one of the greatest decisions I ever made.”

Martin Houghton-Brown, chief executive of St John Ambulance, said: “Huge congratulations to this pioneer cohort of NHS Cadets, young people who have demonstrated that they are the future of healthcare in our country.

“St John has partnered with the NHS on this ground breaking programme because we know that access to a career in health represents a brilliant future, especially for young people who have faced challenges in earlier life. The unique blend of learning with St John and patient care with the NHS really does set these young adults up for a future as our nations doctors, nurses and paramedics."