Newton Abbot students step into healthcare with new nursing cadet program

In a pilot program that’s as much about learning as it is about lending a hand, students at South Devon UTC are trading textbooks for scrubs and stepping into the fast-paced world of healthcare.

South Devon UTC ( SDUTC) in Newton Abbot is working with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust so students can take part in a Nursing Cadet Programme, supported by HRH Prince of Wales.

This is the first time the scheme has been run in the South West as the RCN are running it as a pilot programme with South Devon UTC. The aim of the scheme is to allow students to watch nursing staff in action and better understand how to pursue a career in nursing. Participants are also awarded with a certificate they can share with potential employers to help them stand out from the crowd.

The Nursing Cadet Programme takes 55 hours to complete and includes a balance of teaching, learning, reflection and a 20 hour observational placement. 11 students from years 11, 12 and 13 at South Devon UTC are taking part in the programme, which is open to young people aged 16 to 25.

The students have now completed the taught element and attended their 20 hours of placement at Torbay Hospital. They observed a range of specialisms and wards including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, outpatients, fracture clinic, trauma ward, radiology, discharge lounge and even day surgery, where the students got to put on scrubs and watch minor surgery.

The taught part of the course included elements delivered by a clinical member of the RCN and SDUTC. The RCN quality assured SDUTC’s delivery and commented on the excellent teaching provided by the school.

At South Devon UTC, the health sciences pathway enables students to begin a health sector-focused education from year ten preparing them for future careers. The curriculum provides a spectrum of experience, providing the foundation from which to further specialise in year 12.

The health sciences specialism includes four qualifications in the prevention and control of infection, health and social care, child development and care, and relationships, sex and health education.

The students had support from mentors at the hospital and dedicated staff team who guided them throughout their week. The observational placement concluded with an opportunity to learn more about careers in the NHS with a careers event specifically for SDUTC students.

Claire Plumb, headteacher at South Devon UTC, said: “I am so proud of the students that have undertaken the Nursing Cadet Programme, especially as the hospital staff commended our learners on their professionalism, punctuality and overall positive behaviour, saying they were a credit to the school.

“I know taking part in the programme has been tremendously helpful for some of our students who are now certain that they want to pursue a career in nursing. However, it’s been of benefit to all participants as they have started to develop the professionalism, flexibility and tenacity needed to thrive in busy working environments.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “I want to give my thanks to the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust who I know went above and beyond in supporting our nursing cadets. I know this isn’t the end of the cadet journey as students will spend some time reflecting on their experience before gaining their Nursing Cadet Certificate later this year. This experience will help them to be excellent T-Level Health and Social Care students and ensure they have a bright future in nursing ahead.”