YOUNG college students will work alongside medics at Royal Bolton Hospital as they study towards a career in health and social care.

From this September, the young "health cadets" will embark on the health and social care extended diploma level three cadets, where they will spend two days a week at the hospital and "work" in a number of clinical areas, including wards and departments.

Angela Murray, the course tutor, said: "The cadet scheme is an excellent opportunity for future Bolton College students to start their journey in a career in health and social care. The course will provide learners with the opportunity to implement knowledge in a practical environment at the Bolton Hospital. I’m very excited to be part of this new and rewarding scheme here at Bolton College."

The programme is said to be in response to the college's work to provide courses that improve skill levels and employability for young people and adults in Bolton.

Health and social care is described as a sector "in need of recruiting fresh young minds".

The sector has grown by 23 per cent within Greater Manchester since 2003, and is expected to create an additional 1,000 jobs in the next eight years.

Ben Blocksidge, head of public services at the college, said: “This partnership with Royal Bolton Hospital is a fantastic opportunity for our learners to gain both a qualification and essential experience within the hospital environment. Our aim is to help them pursue a rewarding career in nursing and the medical professions.”

In addition to gaining clinical knowledge, the cadets will develop a range of essential skills including effective communication and interpersonal skills; multi-disciplinary team working; research methodologies; and professional practice.

Carol LeBlanc, head of professional and clinical development at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Bolton College on this project.

"Our aim is to support local young people to develop, discover jobs that interest them and to become our workforce of the future.

"We’re going to provide up to 18 placements for them to experience working in the hospital where they can put into practice their learning from the cadet programme.”

The new course will showcased on Tuesday, May 5, when Bolton College stages a one-off open event to promote the course at 6pm.