A NHS leader credits the Royal Air Force Air Cadets with helping shape her 22-year NHS career.

Catherine Lisseman, 38, Group Head of Corporate Learning Services working across The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, first joined the Royal Air Force Air Cadets at the age of 13.

Originally from Wolverhampton, Catherine has worked in the NHS for 22 years, starting as an apprentice at New Cross Hospital before progressing through a variety of roles in human resources, education, people development and leadership.

Alongside her NHS career, Catherine became an adult volunteer with the Air Cadets at the age of 20 and has now served as a commissioned officer for 16 years.

She was previously Officer Commanding Wednesfield Squadron and, for the past two years, has been People Development Lead for Staffordshire Wing, supporting around 300 adult volunteers and 2,000 young people.

Catherine said: “It’s been very rewarding. I took a lot of experiences from the Air Cadets that have helped me throughout my career and developed the skills that have led me to where I am today.

“I am now able to give that back and being given that opportunity is hugely fulfilling and something I am extremely proud of.”

She added: “I started out as an apprentice at New Cross 22 years ago and performed well in that inital interview because of what I had learned through the Air Cadets. They taught me everything I needed to know.

“I’ve worked in a number of different departments at New Cross and I’ve always wanted to give back to young people, just as I was given those opportunities.

“My role allows me to support personal and professional development across all professions and roles, which dovetails well with my volunteer role.”

During her time with the Air Cadets, Catherine has travelled extensively across the UK, taking part in a range of training and development opportunities.

She said: “My favourite part of being in the Air Cadets is seeing the personal growth and development of young people, and that mirrors the role I do here with our staff.”