The RCN Nursing Cadet Scheme
Take the first step toward a career in nursing
Gain the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in nursing with confidence
Supported by HRH Prince of Wales, our Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme helps young people develop their skills and support them towards a career in nursing.
Our scheme runs at selected locations across Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you’re aged between 16 and 25 and are passionate about caring for people in need, get in touch today.
How it works
Step 1
Get in touch
Let us know you’re interested using the contact form below. If you're aged between 16 and 25 and would like to explore nursing as a potential career, we'd love to hear from you.
Step 2
We'll match you with a local partner
We work with education providers, youth organisations and health providers to create rewarding opportunities. We'll help you get set up with all the materials and guidance you'll need.
Step 3
Complete the course alongside other learning or work commitments
The scheme usually takes 60 hours to complete. Our selected education or youth partner delivers approximately 40 hours of training. Our selected health partner provides 20 hours of observational experience, watching nursing staff in action on a ward, or similar.Step 4
Receive your certificate and celebrate!
When you’ve finished the course, you’ll get a certificate, module transcript and a special alumni pin. We'll also send you our quarterly newsletter and you'll have the opportunity become a scheme ambassador. If you complete your course in Wales, you’ll also be guaranteed an interview for a Healthcare Support Worker role.What you'll gain
- 20 hours of observational clinical experience, watching nursing staff in action
- An understanding of how to pursue a role in nursing
- A certificate you can share with potential employers to help you stand out from the crowd
- The opportunity to meet other young people interested in caring for people with health needs
- The chance to become an ambassador and inspire future cadets
Luke's story
Luke used our scheme as a stepping-stone to a rewarding new job in mental health nursing. He's also a scheme ambassador, inspiring young people like him to take the first step in their nursing career.
In the meantime, why not read our newsletter?
Our Autumn 2023 newsletter is packed full of real-life examples of our cadets in action, plus learning and development opportunities to get involved in.
I was shown how to administer medication and take blood sugar levels. It was so eye-opening. Thank you for getting me onto the placement.
Partner opportunities
Helpful resources
What people are saying about the scheme
6
blog posts
-
22 Aug 2023
Working with the RCN to provide placements for RCN nursing cadets
My name is Ffion, and I am the Placement Lead for Cardiff and Vale UHB.
-
14 Feb 2023
Supporting the nursing cadet scheme
I am Sam Thomas and I have recently joined the Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme as Scheme Administrator.
-
14 Feb 2023
Introducing Prof Dave Clarke
I joined the RCN as Head of the RCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme in November 2022.
-
13 Jun 2022
Introducing Eve Adams to the cadet team
My name is Eve Adams and I have been involved with the RCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme for just over two years.
Learn more about the RCN
- Check out our First Steps resource
- See our online Library
- Head over to our X (formerly Twitter) @NursingCadets
Follow us on our social channels
