ALL major local NHS and social care employers in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire are coming together to deliver a careers roadshow during National Apprenticeship Week (Feb 3-9).

The ‘It’s all coming together’ tour will see a diverse range of qualified and trainee health and care professionals visiting schools, colleges and public areas across the county to showcase apprenticeship and career opportunities.

The team on the careers van will offer information about training and roles at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridgeshire Community Services, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group, North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, East of England Ambulance Service, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council.

Staff are volunteering their time to talk to potential new recruits and share their experiences and views on what working for the NHS means to them.

Director of Workforce and Organisational Development for North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, Louise Tibbert said: “There are more than 350 career paths available in health and social care. Whether you are just starting out or looking for a change, we are here to advise and support you.

“Working in health and social care in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough can be truly amazing, from offering health and care expertise, to hosting ground-breaking research and delivering excellent medical education and training, we’ve got a lot to be proud of.

“We’re using National Apprenticeship Week to share our achievements and opportunities and encourage the next generation to consider choosing a rewarding career in health and care.”

Merryn Kay didn’t get the A-level results she’d hoped for and took a year out working in retail before she found her apprenticeship to become a therapy assistant.

Now, aged 22, she’s on her way to gaining a full degree completely debt free: “I’d always had an idea that I’d like to work in a hospital and then I found out about the apprenticeships available.

“I was so pleased to be successful in applying and gained an NVQ level 3 qualification as a therapy assistant but I haven’t stopped there.

“I’m now doing my foundation degree in health and wellbeing whilst working on a care ward for the elderly at Peterborough City Hospital.

“After that my plan is to gain my full degree in Occupational Therapy, all whilst I earn.

“I really enjoy my role, the best thing about what I do is working with patients and getting them home safely knowing I’ve made a difference.

“To me it makes no sense to get yourself into debt when you can choose an apprenticeship instead. Why would you not want to get paid while you learn?.”

The ‘It’s all coming together’ van will be talking to the public on:

• Monday 3, at George Campbell Leisure Centre, City Road, March, from 8am to 12pm
• Tuesday 4, at Hampton Shopping Centre, from 1pm to 6pm
• Wednesday 5, at Grafton Shopping Centre, from 1pm to 6pm
• Thursday 6, at Ely Town Square, from 8:30am to 12:30pm
• Friday 7, at Huntingdon Market Square, from 1pm to 6pm

 

To find out more about careers opportunities and read our apprenticeship blogs visit www.itsallcomingtogether.jobs.