The NHS is one of the UK’s largest employers, one of Europe’s largest too. It plays a significant role in our local economy. It is thought that as many as 1 in 5 people living in Wirral work for the NHS for example. The NHS is also key to how our society functions. We all depend on the NHS throughout our lives and it is an institution we would all be proud to be a part of.
With the global pandemic at the front of our minds and the increasing focus on roles at the front line of the fight against this virus, we need to promote a strong talent pipeline of young people into work in this area. With on average 40 aspiring healthcare professionals a year joining the UTC, we work hard to support the skills they need to be successful.
One of our first priorities is to open students’ eyes to the wide range of roles within the National Health Service. With employee numbers in the millions, surely all of those people can’t be doctors and nurses. We are keen to raise awareness to the many rewarding and essential careers that often go unnoticed.
The 350 Jobs Project tasks students with researching the 14 different job categories outlined in the NHS and many of the dynamic roles within them, such as Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs), Anaesthetic Associates, Nursing Associates and many of the administrative and support positions on offer.
The project is of particular benefit to those students who wish to work within the NHS but are unsure of what role they would suit best. It is also helpful for students who want to plan a backup for some of the most competitive courses.
Student, Niamh says: “I have always been very keen to work for the NHS, and so doing more in depth research on the variety of careers on offer has made me even more enthusiastic to work in the health sector. This project has enabled me to learn more about the different jobs the NHS has to offer and what each of them entails, which will help me make more informed decisions about my future.”
Many of these roles draw parallels with doctors, nurses and other professions and can be attractive to all types of students.
It is not only important for our students to learn about these roles for their own benefit but also necessary as future health care professionals require an in depth knowledge of how hospitals work and the functions of their multidisciplinary team.
Niamh says: “After I have completed my A-Levels, I hope to go to university to do a degree or degree apprenticeship in Therapeutic Radiography and Oncology. Ultimately, I would love to become a Consultant Therapeutic Radiographer. PBL is helping me gain useful knowledge, as well as developing skills associated with patient care and how to be an effective team leader, which will all be very beneficial to me when I do placements and begin my career.”