TEENAGERS interested in becoming nurses are invited to open evenings being held by the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust.

The two events will focus on the trust's two-year modern apprentice nurse cadet scheme which can lead to a nursing diploma at the University of Teesside and a staff nurse post within the trust, on successful completion of the diploma.

The open evenings should suit young people aged 17 or 18 by September this year. They take place at the Training Department of the University Hospital of Hartlepool tonight, between 5pm and 7pm, and on ward 38 of the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton, tomorrow, between 5pm and 7pm.

The scheme has seven nurse cadets who are studying and, at the same time, gaining valuable experience working on the wards at both hospitals.

Applicants must have grade C GCSE in English, maths and a science subject or a key skill equivalent. The course will provide NVQs II and III in care, hands-on work experience on various hospital wards and, on successful completion, will lead to a place on the nursing diploma course at the University of Teesside.

Nurse cadets can expect payment of £100 per week in their first year and the national minimum wage in their second.

For further information contact Linda Allison on (01429) 522377