Welcome to our new 11 Nurse cadets Natalie, Chloe, Emily, Tilly, Amber, Sophie, Daisy, Rose, Poppy, Freya and Paris.

Our new 11 nurse cadets with Sandra Williamson and 2 practice teachers

With the Thames Valley Nurse Cadet Programme now entering its second year, Oxford Health is leading the way in developing and growing the workforce of the future.

The scheme sees local Year 11’s employed by the Trust on a Senior Healthcare Worker Apprenticeship Programme. The cadets spend 18-20 months studying and working in front line roles and leave the programme with a Level 3 Health and Social Care qualification.

As well as being a fantastic chance for young people to experience the world of working in the NHS, completion of the course leads the cadets to the following career opportunities:

• Guaranteed interview for a Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker role at Oxford Health
• Guaranteed interview for entry on to a Nurse Associate Foundation Degree
• Guaranteed interview for entry on to a Nursing Degree with Oxford Brookes

Read some of the positive comments below from our nurse cadets:

Freya – “Being a Nurse Cadet is more than just an apprenticeship, it’s an experience of a lifetime. It is so heart-warming to know I can make a positive difference on an individual’s wellbeing or life. Being a Nurse Cadet has broadened my horizons”

Rose – “Being a Nurse Cadet is amazing because it give you a good opportunity meet new people and see what the working world is like. So far I have met some amazing new people and have learnt so much about the NHS”

Sophie – “I’m looking forward to meeting other nurses and it’s opened my eyes to the world of nursing”

Sandra Williamson, vocational development lead for Learning and Development said: “It has been a successful year for the first group of Nurse Cadets who started during the Pandemic.  We are looking forward to them completing their Apprenticeship and going on to successful careers in the NHS.

“They have now been joined by 11 more young people who will be going to work in the Community Hospitals and the Fulbrook Centre. You will recognise them by their white uniform with green trim and their enthusiasm.”

If you would like further information, please email NurseCadets@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk