Free public event to showcase careers in health and social care
People are invited to a free event to learn more about the hundreds of careers within health and social care.
The event which will be held on Saturday January 28 at the Northumbria Healthcare Manufacturing and Innovation Hub, Avenue Road, Seaton Delaval, NE25 0 QJ will showcase both clinical and non-clinical careers in primary care (GP practices), hospitals, the community, the ambulance service and social care.
There are around 350 clinical and non-clinical roles within the NHS and social care and this event, which has been funded by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, will give people the opportunity to find out more about working in social or home care, estates and facilities (including roles such as cleaners, porters or chefs), GP practices, medicine, dental care, nursing, midwifery or as an allied healthcare professional, healthcare science, administration and in corporate services such as finance, HR, communications and IT.
Leanne Furnell, North East and North Cumbria’s integrated care board’s director of workforce, said: "From porters, chefs and estate managers to midwives, nurses and scientists, there's a fantastic range of options in health and care. It might be an entry-level role or a job that needs specialist qualifications, but if you're passionate the health and care services we all rely on, this is a chance to find out about fantastic opportunities for your future. We look forward to seeing you there."
People can register to attend the event between 9.30am and 12.30pm or 1.00pm and 3.30pm by visiting https://www.northumbria.nhs.uk/get-involved/events#c713da38.
Northumberland County Councillor Wendy Pattison, cabinet member for adults' wellbeing, said: “Working in social care is hugely rewarding because you can make a positive difference to people’s lives.
“There are many different roles within the sector and opportunities for career progression. Many people start as a care support worker and progress to other things either within that career path or use it as a steppingstone into careers in other services.
“If you are looking for a meaningful career, where you can support others to live fulfilling, independent lives social care could be the role for you.”
All secondary schools and colleges in Gateshead and north of the Tyne have been invited to attend a similar event on Friday January 27. The day is aimed at students who are selecting their GCSE choices or completing their A-level year. 26 schools have registered so far, giving around 410 pupils the opportunity to explore these careers. Registration for this day is now closed.
Ruth Auton, Northumbria Healthcare’s head of education, learning and organisational development, said: “This event is a fantastic way to raise awareness of the breadth of careers available for all in health and social care. It will hopefully also help to break down some stereotypical views, like nursing is only for women. Which absolutely is not the case! People are also usually surprised at just how many career options there are. NHS and social care organisations offer some very rewarding and valued career pathways and there is so much support in relation to development and career progression. I really recommend that people come along and find out more!”
For the public day (on Saturday January 28) here will be two free shuttle buses that will run from Northumberland Park Metro Station to the manufacturing hub and from Wansbeck General Hospital in Ashington, via Cramlington train station, to the manufacturing hub. Buses will run between 9.00am and 3.40pm. If people want more information about bus times they should email nhscareers@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk.