Summer cadet programme introduces younger people to careers in care

Rachele Overlingaite, Walnut Care, discusses the organisation's annual cadet programme and how it allows young people to explore opportunities for a career in care.

Walnut Care’s annual summer cadet programme has returned for its third year. The summer work experience aims to open young people to opportunities in care whilst providing them with transferrable skills for any industry.

Walnut Care is one of Lincolnshire's leading domiciliary care companies which has been running for over 22 years. The family run company is proud to support over 300 people across the county, with the initiative of building relationships and keeping the people they support’s independence going.

As of July 2026, the Milburn review report shows that nearly one million people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training. Walnut Care is proud to continue providing opportunities to tackle this issue.

Working closely with the NHS Talent Academy, seven eager students, aged 15 to 18 from Lincolnshire, have joined us during the summer for our six-week programme, where they are gaining real care experience and training.

The summer work experience provides training in moving and handling, nutrition, basic life support and an opportunity to join and shadow trained carers on their calls. While also taking part in the fabulous Nelly’s Care Escape Room as part of their training.

Isla, 17, is studying b-tech health and social care, and A-level psychology and sociology, and is hoping to go to university to carry on her studies in adult nursing. She says being a part of the cadets' programme is “giving me a proper insider perspective. You get to learn how people are cared for, and how vulnerable people should be treated. It helps you develop a sense of people skills which is important in any field of health care.”

The transferrable skills our cadets will gain include communication skills, care training, empathy, teamwork, time management and problem solving, which will be highly useful in personal statements and any CVs.

The students expressed a boost in their confidence and communication when working as a team throughout the first three weeks of their training, led by Alice Weatherley - our Learning and Development Lead, and Debbie Hughes - our Moving and Handling Lead.

This new generation of young people stepping foot in the care industry value how their outlooks could benefit the sector, sharing that they bring a sense of empathy and due care to this hard-working industry.

Kim, 17, shares how the care sector has been overlooked as an industry amongst her age group, she says: “There’s the odd few who study health and social care, but not many that want to take it further.”

When asked why that is the case, the students shared that the care industry is stigmatised, Isla shared: ‘It's seen as a lesser thing to do because people don't think it's a high-paying job - but it’s high rewarding”.

Sandra, 18, added: “they think care is low, we’re here to prove them wrong.”

Alice, our Learning and Development Lead shares that growing up, these opportunities weren't available when she was a student. She said: “Having a group of determined young people show up each week and invest in themselves, the way we invest in them, it’s such a rewarding experience.”

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