NHS Herefordshire has recruited its 100th trainee nurse under an apprenticeship scheme which has been running for seven years.

The century mark was reached when mum-of-two Leanne Weaver, aged 21, joined the programme, which is aimed at providing a top-class apprenticeship for aspiring nurses.

Leanne, who plans to go to university to take a midwifery degree, is currently working at nights as a domestic carer to support herself through training.

“The cadets programme is giving me a great start to my career. I always wanted a job where I could help other people and, as a working mum, I can’t think of a better way to use my skills than to support new mothers as a qualified midwife,” she said.

The cadets programme leads to NVQ level 3 qualification, equivalent to two A-levels, and is tailored to equip aspiring nurses with the full set of personal and professional skills needed to embark on a three-year degree course.

Cadets spend two days full time at the training centre, two days gaining handson experience on busy medical wards and one day of private study, developing independent research skills.

Most of the cadets are aged 16 to 19 but advanced apprenticeships are offered to long-serving staff looking to progress to a quite skilled clinical level.

Training manager Helen Mapp said the aim was to get enthusiastic young people ready and equipped with the skills needed to go to university to progress into rewarding nursing careers and help existing staff who had the motivation to progress within the service.

Anyone interested can visit apprenticeships.org.uk