Hundreds of Lincolnshire school pupils are being given the opportunity of a hands-on introduction to working for the NHS.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust has just launched its school careers events, aimed at helping to improve the recruitment of staff into Lincolnshire’s hospitals by focussing on the development of local talent.
This first round of careers events for pupils in school years 10 to 13 from across Lincolnshire are being held at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Grantham and District Hospital and Lincoln County Hospital and focus on careers in nursing, physiotherapy, dietetics and occupational therapy.
They form part of ULHT’s Talent Academy, which is an initiative to help Lincolnshire’s hospitals grow their own talent, raising awareness and aspirations among the Lincolnshire school community. This also involves projects encouraging work experience in job roles on hospital sites and a new apprenticeship scheme which will be launched soon.
Apprenticeship Programme Project Manager at ULHT, Claire Flavell, said : “We developed these events in response to numerous school enquiries. Each of these events is hosted by professionals working within the hospitals, provides an insight into the roles whilst familiarizing students with the fast paced and dynamic hospital environment.
“By working with our local schools and colleges, and sharing our own knowledge and experiences, we can assist students to make an informed choice about their next steps, whilst also raising the profile of the NHS and career opportunities within the Trust.
The first of the events took place at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston last week and they are planned for Grantham and District Hospital on Monday 14 December and Lincoln County Hospital on Wednesday 16 December.
These days will support a total of 120 students from across Lincolnshire over the three days.
“All secondary schools in Lincolnshire were contacted about the events, and students in year 10 to 13 were allowed to apply for a place. There were 40 places per site, and the places for the Pilgrim event were booked up in 22 minutes,” said Claire.
“We’re delighted with how popular they are, and feedback from those who attended the first event has been very positive.”
Comments from some of the course participants in Boston include: “The presentations were captivating and informative.”
Pupils at Giles Academy “In-depth, very interesting and fun to use practical objects, eg stethoscope.” Pupil at Boston Grammar School. Further events are now being planned due to the level of demand, as well as similar events looking at developing interest in other job roles, including medicine.