More than 30 aspiring health professionals have learned more about how to have a career in Cumbria’s NHS at a recent event.
The NHS Careers Pathway Event opened the doors of the James George Education Centre at the Cumberland Infirmary for students to hear first-hand from various professionals about the different career options available within the NHS.
The attendees heard first hand from local speakers from a range of professional backgrounds including; midwifery, nursing, physiotherapy, medicine, pathology, dietetics and pharmacy.
James Manser from the learning and development team who helped organise the event said: “The event was designed to help provide students with an opportunity to learn more about the various roles within the NHS and the entry routes and requirements. It was also open to under 16s, giving those who cannot partake in work experience an opportunity to gain a unique insight into potential career options, as they begin to make their all-important GCSE subject choices. The event also highlighted work experience and apprenticeship opportunities within the Trust.”
The event was well received by students and parents alike, some commented to the team on the day: “It was very informative in giving me details about a few different careers within the NHS. It was good to have the opportunity to talk to the speakers at the end”
“Lots of good advice and got to speak with healthcare professionals who explained the different career paths taken”
Kathleen Conway, Lead Clinical Educator Preceptorships and a speaker at the event said: “I thought the event achieved a good balance of formality to be professional but informal enough for parents and young people to feel comfortable to ask questions. There was a lot of conversation at the end in the back common room!”
Amy Cockton, assistant learning facilitator who also help arrange the event explained how successful the event has been: “Since the event we have had quite a few enquiries to arrange work experience and also people asking about courses at the University of Cumbria to help them begin their career in healthcare.
“We are now looking at arranging a similar event in west Cumbria and we hope that we will be able to hold these events regularly.”
