As part of our Career’s programme, Year 11 students were visited by Joanne Copeland, an NHS Education and Widening Participation Manager. Joanne’s professional background in the NHS is in occupational therapy; today however, she is responsible for outreach work in the NHS which involves encouraging young people to consider a career in the NHS and to support them through the application process.
Discussions focused on the variety of different career options within the NHS, with roles beyond the world of medicine also considered. She explained entry requirements into roles and the support the NHS gives with training and apprenticeships.
Joanne commented: “ It was a delight to meet the young people at Sporting Stars; they were engaging and inquisitive. I believe by the end, the message that the NHS is looking for all skills and values, not just nurses and doctors, was well received. I hope I gave students a new perspective on careers within the NHS.”
We are very grateful that Joanne was able to visit and discuss careers with the students. Her advice went beyond working for the NHS, and she discussed other valuable topics such as pensions. By providing students with these opportunities, we can show students what options are available once they leave Sporting Stars and move onto pastures new.