A new nursing cadet scheme is being piloted at Princess Margaret Hospital as part of Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust's bid to boost nursing recruitment.

The new scheme will be launched in January with a maximum of five places. Cadetship is open to school leavers aged 16-19 years old who will be based at the hospital for the two-year course.

Those successfully completing the scheme will be awarded a level three National Vocational Qualification.

In addition, they will be guaranteed a place at the University of the West of England on the three year Nursing Diploma course.

Organising the cadet scheme is NVQ co-ordinator Sue Bannister. She explained: "This is a new initiative for the trust which has been tried very successfully elsewhere in the country."

She said that the course also has a number of advantages to the student over the usual route of taking A levels before embarking on the Nursing Diploma Course.

"Firstly we pay a training allowance, it is not a great deal of money, but is more than you would get doing A levels.

"The new course is also a good way for youngsters to gain experience in a care setting which will give them greater confidence when they start their nursing diploma.

"It will appeal to those people who rather be working in a dynamic adult environment rather than returning to school."

Cadets will be expected to complete 18 hours working on the wards and 12 study hours a week at New College, Swindon.

Anyone interested in following the course can contact Sue on 01793 426940.