Want to build an exciting future in healthcare? While gaining real-life skills and experience and making new friends? Then apply to become an NHS Cadet today.

Our free NHS Cadets programme is for young people aged 14-18 years old from all backgrounds. We welcome all young people, including young people with a disability, special educational needs, or both, up to the age of 25. You’ll learn practical skills for a future in healthcare and explore different roles within the NHS. You'll also develop your communication, leadership, and teamwork skills through fun and interactive weekly sessions with other like-minded young people. There is the option to join an NHS Cadets programme in-person near you or complete it online.

'I learnt far more than just about the NHS I learnt about teamwork and leadership and I made loads of new friends.'

Milly, age 17

Here on behalf of a school or youth organisation? Learn more about how we can support to you to deliver the programme to your young people; NHS Cadets for organisations.

Two NHS Cadets kneeling on the floor with one practising chest compressions on a mannequin.

What NHS Cadets get up to

Our NHS Cadets programme is run in partnership with a local NHS trust or healthcare provider. It’s split into two learning pathways:

  • Foundation Pathway - ages 14 to 16 (up to age 25 for young people with a disability and/or special educational needs)
  • Advanced Pathway - ages 16 to 18

Each pathway includes modules which build your skills, experience, and understanding of working or volunteering in healthcare. They cover a wide range of topics like types of healthcare roles and systems, patient communication, mental health, and much more.

You’ll meet your NHS Cadets group regularly for fun and interactive sessions. As you progress through each module, expect lots of games, discussions, and practical exercises. You'll also get to know other like-minded young people and make new friends.

While both pathways complement each other, you do not have to do both, and you can start on the Advanced pathway. If you complete the Foundation pathway under the age of 16, you can go straight onto the Advanced pathway if one is available - you do not have to wait until you are 16.

For young people up to the age of 25 with a disability and/or special educational needs, we offer an adapted version of our Foundation pathway. If you’d like to find out more or have any questions about this, please email nhscadets@sja.org.uk.

Extra learning opportunities

As an NHS Cadet, you’ll have lots of opportunities to complete extra courses and awards, all helping to boost your personal and professional development. We promote a range of courses and awards to suit a wide range of interests. These include:

When and where sessions take place

We have NHS Cadets programmes running in locations across England. You can find your nearest group by searching our online portal. There is also the option to apply for an online programme.

Sessions are usually in the evening during term-time and last around 1.5-2 hours. The exact day and time depends on which location you join. The programme usually lasts around 16-26 weeks.

Who can apply to be an NHS Cadet

Alongside the NHS, we aim to have a workforce and volunteer base that is representative of the communities we support. Diversity and inclusion are important, and we want to include young people with different life experiences and circumstances. This means we encourage young people from all backgrounds to apply for NHS Cadets - especially if you’ve never considered a future in healthcare.

We also welcome applications if you:

  • are at risk of not being in education, employment, or training (NEET)
  • are a looked after child or care leaver
  • are a young carer
  • are from a lower income family
  • have exam grades that were/may be lower than expected or hoped for
  • have mental ill health, learning difficulties, disability, or long-term illness
  • are a refugee or asylum seeker

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the application process, please email nhscadets@sja.org.uk.

 

 

Apply now

Find your nearest NHS Cadets programme by using our online portal. You can also apply for a virtual programme.

Thanks to our partners

We deliver the NHS Cadets programme in partnership with various NHS Trusts across England.

'We’re delighted...to work in partnership with St John Ambulance to grow and support NHS Cadets, who are valued members of our local communities.'

Kath Evans, Barts Health NHS Trust

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