Pupils in Newport will have the opportunity to learn about life in the health and care sector next week as part of an online careers week.
Aimed at year nine pupils and above, the event, which runs from the 8th-12th November and is organised by Careers Wales and the One Newport partnership, will see partners and employers from across the sector hold virtual workshops with pupils which will cover:
- What it is like to work in health and care
- What skills and qualifications are needed to work in the sector
- The range of job opportunities available in the local area
Each day of the week will focus on a different theme. Education and training required to work in the sector will be the theme of the first day, with the rest of the week focusing on careers in childcare, health care, social care, and mental health care.
The material delivered during the week will remain available to students after the event to help them consider career choices and pathways.
During the week, students will hear from Professor Alka Ahuja MBE, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.
Prof. Ahuja is also the national clinical lead for Technology Enabled Care Cymru, and was responsible for the rapid scale up of the NHS Wales video consulting service, which allowed people to continue to access health care services from home during the pandemic.
Speaking ahead of the careers week, Prof. Ahuja said: “Working in the sector has given me a chance to make a difference in people’s lives, and I hope this event gives students a taste of all of the careers and opportunities available to them.”
Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of Newport City Council and chair of the One Newport partnership, said: “I’m delighted that for our latest virtual careers week, we are shining a spotlight on the health and care sector.
“Throughout the last two years, more than ever, the sector has shown how fundamental it is to our daily lives.
“I hope this event inspires pupils across Newport to take a look at the sector when exploring their future career choices.”
Mikki Down, operational and development manager at Careers Wales, said: “The pandemic has shone a spotlight on how crucial health professionals are more than ever before.
“Events such as this provide a valuable opportunity to find out how to explore a career in health and social care, not only helping to motivate those already considering such a path, but also inspiring others who may have not considered it.
“We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with these organisations and local employers to help raise awareness among young people of the vast and rewarding career opportunities available in this vital sector.”
