“What joining the NHS Cadets has meant to me” by Fred, current NHS Cadet

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust started their second programme of NHS Cadets in September 2024. One of the Cadets has shared his experience of the programme through a personal blog, highlighting the incredible range of work and experiences being shared with young people through the sessions.

Fred, a 17-year-old Cadet from Hull created the blog to share his experience of the current NHS Cadets programme. In his blog he explained what he has done so far through the course, “We learn about healthcare topics, care settings, and the full range of career options in the NHS. So far, we have had a speaker who was a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, I have learned about the safeguarding protocol, the journey of a patient and what it entails, and also inequality - which has all been really interesting.”

The Cadets offer young people a wide range of broader life skills as well as specific health care services. Fred said, “Being in the NHS Cadets helps to develop my skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and general life skills. I have also gained confidence and we will be learning how to build CVs and personal statements.”

The NHS Cadets is an 11-month programme for young people aged 15-18 years old. It 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 have the opportunity to meet staff from across Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, including professionals from CAMHS and Allied Health. There is also an 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 current students are set to complete their course in April 2025 and Fred has enjoyed participating in all aspects of the sessions to far, he said, “I would recommend any young person to join as its great fun and I have met lots of new people and have learned so much already.”

Bethia Dennis, Engagement Manager for Children’s Services said, “We are thrilled that this programme has continued to be popular with young people within the local community. Many of our staff across Children's Services have attended sessions to share their career journeys and inspire the young people to consider a rewarding career within the NHS, and especially within Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust. We are proud that young people that may not normally have this opportunity are now able to access this rich experience and graduate with pride.”

You can read Fred's full blog below:

"I joined the NHS Cadets in September 2024, this is a free program that helps young people explore healthcare careers and gain experience in the NHS. We meet weekly for 2-hour sessions, either virtually or meeting face-to-face at St John Ambulance in Hull.

We learn about healthcare topics, care settings, and the full range of career options in the NHS. So far, we have had a speaker who was a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, I have learned about the safeguarding protocol, the journey of a patient and what it entails, and also inequality which has all been really interesting.

I have also learned how to do CPR, choking, recovery position during the face-to-face sessions which I really enjoyed.

Being in the NHS Cadets helps to develop my skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and general life skills. I have also gained confidence and we will be learning how to build CVs and personal statements. 

I am also hoping to gain further experience through volunteering placements in healthcare settings. 

In future sessions, we are going to look at roles beyond healthcare, such as IT, finance, administration, catering, and maintenance. 

The program is run by St John Ambulance in partnership with local NHS trusts and healthcare providers. I would recommend any young person to join as its great fun and I have met lots of new people and have learned so much already."