Hundreds of students from across Essex have been finding out more about the diverse job roles available in the local NHS.
Honywood School teacher Lena Putter pretends to be operated on, watched by pupils from the school.
Funded by Essex County Council (ECC), a wide range of staff from East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) gathered to offer Year 10 students an insight into the opportunities at Colchester Hospital and in community healthcare.
As well as nurses and doctors, there were clinical staff from operating theatres, midwives, radiographers, pathologists, podiatrists, pharmacists and more. The ESNEFT Careers Fair also showcased a number of non-clinical roles for career development in the NHS, including the opportunities in HR, finance, IT and business informatics. It is part of the Essex Year of Opportunity, a £1.33 million campaign by Essex County Council for 2025/26.
Through projects and partnerships with organisations, the Essex Year of Opportunity removes barriers into work and education for all ages by providing insight and access to essential skills.
Pete Cook, Director of Research, Innovation and Education at ESNEFT, said: “School pupils and students are the workforce for the future of the NHS.
“There are so many career and training options available in healthcare and the fair has been a fantastic way to show some of these and find out how students can work towards those.
“Studying while working is also possible through a number of on-the-job qualifications, such as apprenticeships.”
Honywood School pupils (from left) Pippa Hutchinson, Ellie-Mae Jobson, Edie Grounds and Matilda Arkle.
Councillor Andrew Sheldon, Deputy Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability at Essex County Council, said: “These hands-on workshops run by ESNEFT have given students real insight into the many different careers available in healthcare.
“The Essex Year of Opportunity campaign is all about providing unique experiences such as these so we can inspire different generations and get them thinking about what’s possible through work and education.
“I look forward to more projects and partnerships being funded by the Essex Year of Opportunity in 2025 and 2026.”
Stanway School pupils Ella Jenner and Harry Duncan.
Thomas Lord Audley School pupil Nathan Dehinsilu tries out virtual reality.
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