North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust has been working in partnership with Carlisle College to give on-the-job experience to future health workers.

The Nurse Cadets scheme helps students decide on a career route into health – including nursing and support-level roles – whilst gaining valuable hands-on experience with patients at the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle.

As part of their course the students must complete placements in different health settings to give them a wide range of experiences. This takes place alongside classroom learning at Carlisle College.

There are currently six Nurse Cadets who are studying on their second year of the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care at Carlisle College. The scheme provides a minimum of 100 hours experience at the Cumberland Infirmary. All of the current cadets have applied for UCAS to start on a Nursing degree in September and the experience has been used to enhance their application.