Humber NHS Cadets Celebrate Graduation

Our Trust’s NHS Cadet programme, working in partnership with St John Ambulance, provided local young people aged between 14 and 18 years with the opportunity to access a broad and accessible training programme. These Cadets have now graduated from the 11-month programme equipped with a range of skills and experience in the healthcare industry.

The NHS Cadet programme enables young people to learn tangible skills and more about what it is like working in healthcare, from a range of inspiring professional speakers. The NHS Cadets develop key skills, boost their self-confidence, and get to explore careers in the healthcare sector. Cadets from both Hull and East Riding had the opportunity to meet staff from across the Trust, including professionals from CAMHS and Allied Health. There was also opportunity for Cadets to learn more about how they can get involved with the Trust through volunteering, work placement and the Humber Youth Action Group. 

The recent graduation event was held at St John’s Ambulance HQ in Hull and parents and carers were there to celebrate the young people’s achievements. Each young person received a certificate and “Humber gift bag” rewarding them for their efforts and dedication to the programme.

It was hugely well received, with the Cadets sharing how the programme has inspired them to think about a career in the NHS and has helped them think about the different career routes into the organisation. Some cadets are already engaging with voluntary opportunities and work experience to take their next steps towards their future careers.

A representative from Wyke College said of the Humber NHS Cadets, “This has been an amazing programme for our young people. The work experience and skill development this programme provides are invaluable. We look forward to working with you this coming academic year”.

The new Humber Cadet Programme has now launched for those aged 15-18. For anyone that may be interested in joining the new cohort, there is still time to join. Please contact the Children’s Divisional Engagement Team at hnf-tr.HYAG@nhs.net for more information.

Bethia Dennis, Children’s Engagement Lead at the Trust, said “The outgoing NHS Cadets were a fantastic group, and we are looking forward to seeing how the new cohort grow and develop their skills over the next 11 months. We have received incredible interest already in our programme but there is still time to join us. We teach a huge variety of practical skills as well as highlighting careers in the NHS that people might not have considered before.”

The Trust is also inviting those wishing to support the programme by participating in a session as a guest speaker to contact the team. Speakers may wish to contribute to key topics discussed as part of the programme or share a personal career journey story to inspire young people to think about their own career within the NHS and our organisation.