Around 130 young people from schools across Stockport took part in the second annual Health and Social Care Jobs Safari at Stockport Town Hall.
Delivered in partnership by Stockport Council and Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, the event gave young people aged 14 to 16 the opportunity to meet professionals from across the health and care sector and learn about the wide range of careers available.
More than 16 professions took part, with students moving between small-group sessions every 15 minutes, giving them the chance to hear directly from people working in different roles. The format allowed young people to explore careers they may not have previously considered and ask questions about qualifications, career pathways and day-to-day responsibilities.
Representatives from health and social care services showcased a diverse range of careers, highlighting that there are opportunities for people with different skills, interests and ambitions, whether they want to work directly with patients and residents or in supporting roles behind the scenes.
The Jobs Safari was created to challenge perceptions about working in health and social care and to inspire the next generation of local professionals. Following the success of the first event, which also welcomed around 150 young people, organisers were delighted to see another strong turnout from schools across the borough.
Councillor Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at Stockport Council said;
“The Health and Social Care Jobs Safari is a fantastic opportunity for young people to discover the huge variety of careers available right on their doorstep. Many people think of only a few professions when they consider working in health and care, but the reality is that the sector offers hundreds of rewarding and exciting roles.
By meeting professionals face-to-face and hearing about their experiences, young people can gain a better understanding of the pathways available to them and the difference they could make to people’s lives. I’d like to thank everyone who helped make the event a success and inspire the workforce of the future.
The event forms part of ongoing work across Stockport to promote careers in the health and care sector, strengthen local workforce pipelines and help young people explore future education, training and employment opportunities.”
Amanda Bromley, Chief People Officer Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said;
“It’s always exciting to welcome the next generation of people who may be thinking about starting out in a career of health and social care, and the Jobs Safari was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the many outstanding opportunities we have here in Stockport.
We were delighted by the enthusiasm, curiosity and engagement shown throughout the day, and we hope the experience has helped participants see the many exciting pathways available to them in the future.”
Health and care organisations across Stockport remain committed to encouraging more young people to consider careers in a sector that offers rewarding work, opportunities for progression and the chance to make a positive impact in their communities.
The Jobs Safari also supports the wider ambition of the One Stockport Health & Social Care Career Academy at Fred Perry House, which is helping to develop the next generation of health and care professionals through training, skills development and career pathways into the sector. Alongside partners, Stockport Council and Stockport NHS Foundation Trust are committed to building a strong, sustainable local workforce and ensuring residents of all ages can access rewarding careers that make a positive difference to people’s lives.