RCN Wales pleased HEIW will support future cohorts of the RCN Prince of Wales Nurse Cadet Scheme.

Health Education and Improvement Wales have recently announced that they will be supporting three cohorts of new cadets in the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Prince of Wales Nurse Cadet Scheme; one in 2019/20 and two in 2020/21.

The scheme aims to inspire young people, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, by giving them access to opportunities for academic study and hands-on experience in the healthcare sector. It combines 105 hours of guided experiential learning with clinical observational placements within the local healthcare area and is currently open to 18 cadets, aged 16 to 25. Once they have successfully completed the foundation phase, they will be offered a guaranteed interview for a Healthcare Support Worker position and depending on their level of education, cadets will be eligible to undertake further study at diploma and ultimately, degree level. At present, the scheme is being piloted across the whole of Wales, in partnership with the Army Cadet Force, with a view to a wider UK rollout in the future.

Stephen Griffiths, Nursing Director, Health Education and Improvement Wales, said: “We at HEIW are delighted to fund three cohorts of cadets into the Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme. As part of an organisation dedicated to improving the healthcare workforce in Wales, I am excited to see the scheme inspire young people and give them an insight into a career in healthcare.”

Helen Whyley, Director RCN Wales said, “I am delighted that HEIW have chosen to support the Prince of Wales Nurse Cadet Scheme.  Their investment will enable even more young people to embark on a journey into nursing and discover just how highly valued and rewarding a nursing career can be”.