Health and Social Care Taster supports young people to make informed choices about careers

A University of Gloucestershire community event enabled nearly 100 young people to discover career opportunities in health and social care and engage with industry professionals and organisations from across the sector.

For University students and learners from local schools and colleges, the Health and Social Care Taster included practical-based introductions to paramedic science, nursing and physiotherapy, and a career carousel showcasing the diversity of careers within occupational therapy (OT).

The carousel supported the Royal College of Occupational Therapists’ most recent workforce survey that highlighted increased demand and a workforce shortage, identifying key actions focused on recruitment, retention, and demonstrating the value of the profession to policymakers. 

The careers carousel attracted current students from the University’s BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy programme which was named the named Best University Course at the Occupational Therapy Excellence Awards 2024.

Organisations represented included Novalis Trust, National Star, Springfield Academy, Cygnet Health Care, Communicate2U and Wiltshire County Council.

Emma Rose, Academic Course Leader in BSc Hons Occupational Therapy, said: “The careers within occupational therapy as a whole are so diverse – from physical health to mental health and learning disabilities –  the opportunities within the profession are virtually endless for our successful graduates.

“The career carousel included less well-known areas of occupational therapy, such as perinatal services, forensic services and specialist education providers, to demonstrate the diversity of the sector and help our students and other young people to make informed choices about future careers in health and social care.

“We were delighted to provide young people from local colleges and schools with opportunities to speak to existing students and lecturers about university life and undertaking the degree programme at the University.”

Jen Lewis, Student Recruitment and Outreach Officer (Creative and Health), said: “The Health and Social Care Taster provided our students and learners from local schools and colleges with a fantastic opportunity to broaden their horizons and meet people from a range of services and organisations.

“We’d like to thank all the schools and organisations who supported the event and made it such a rewarding and beneficial experience for the young people who attended.”

Image: Visitors and exhibitors at the career carousel at the Health and Social Care Taster