To help mark the NHS’s 75th anniversary in July, NHS England and Inspiring the Future have teamed up to inspire children and young people to consider a career in the NHS.
The ‘NHS Ambassadors’ programme connects NHS staff with schools to give talks about the wide and stimulating range of careers across the Service – both clinical and non-clinical.
By talking about their job and career history, NHS staff will help to illustrate the connection between what students are studying in the classroom and the potential job opportunities available in the NHS. It is also an opportunity to highlight the role science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects have for some professional careers in the NHS.
It is anticipated that hundreds of NHS staff will give school talks during the 75th anniversary year, with thousands of children across the country benefiting.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director, NHS England said: “It is great to have partnered with Inspiring the Future on this important initiative in the NHS’s 75th year. The NHS offers a huge range of exciting and challenging opportunities for people who are passionate about making a difference. With more than 350 different careers on offer, there’s something for everyone.
“The NHS is one of the largest employers in the world and, with 1.3 million staff, it is the biggest employer in Europe. There are a wide range of different employers in the NHS, from hospitals and ambulance services through to GP practices and opticians. You can also work in social care or take up role in public health.
“A career in the health service – in one of the hundreds of vital roles on offer – is an opportunity to make a positive difference to patient’s lives, helping people when they need it most. Whatever your skills, qualifications or interests, there is a career for you in the NHS.”
Nick Chambers, Chief Executive, Inspiring the Future said: “The NHS’s 75th anniversary is a significant milestone in British history and the COVID-19 global pandemic clearly highlighted the vital role its staff play in our lives. We know schools and students are keen to learn more about what it’s like working in the NHS, so it’s great to have teamed up with them on this important initiative.
“We’re looking for NHS staff, from all levels and professions to register and commit to a minimum of an hour a year to go into schools and colleges – in person or virtually – and talk about their job and the educational route they took to get there. It’s easy to sign up and by doing so you’ll be helping to inspire the NHS workforce of the future”
Kirsten Bernard, Director of Sixth Form, St Thomas More Catholic School, Bedford said: “We are lucky to have had several NHS staff give talks to our students. They loved it and were surprised with how many different types of roles there are, from the more obvious ones like doctors, nurses, midwives and paramedics, through to those they didn’t know about, such as play therapists, electricians, accountants and IT specialists.”
Find out how to get involved as an NHS Ambassador or how to invite an NHS Ambassador into your school.
Visit Inspiring the Future