Highland Pupils Learn About Health Career Opportunities
123 S4 pupils from 16 Highland secondary schools attended a special event at the Centre for Health Science in Inverness today (Tuesday 29 September) to find out more about careers in medicine and other health professions.
Organised by The Highland Council in partnership with NHS Highland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The University of Aberdeen Medical School, LifeScan Scotland Ltd, the Centre for Health Science Company, UHI, the prospective University of the Highlands and Islands, Robert Gordon University, Stirling University and the Scottish Ambulance Service, the day included plenty of interactive activities to give the young people a flavor of the variety of jobs available in the healthcare sector and the diversity of skills required.
Pupils were able to talk and spend time with health professionals to hear first hand about their individual experiences of working across a wide range of roles.
With a choice of twelve themed workshops to choose from including Pharmaceuticals Nursing and Midwifery, Dental Hygine and Therapy, Dietetics and Clinical Skills there was plenty of opportunity for young people to learn in more detail about specific careers during the four morning and afternoon workshop sessions.
All sessions were very interactive and a big hit amongst pupils as they tested their skills on a range of special simulation equipment and took part in role play activities under the helpful supervision of clinicians and health staff.
The young people were able to meet Professor Ian Megson, director of the UHI Department of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Science, and members of his research team, and see a demonstration by Isobel Madden, UHI joint Head of the School of Oral Health Science, where dental professionals are honing their skills in a state-of-the-art clinical facilities and phantom heads training room. Dr Fiona Skinner, academic leader of the UHI Faculty of Health, was also on hand to talk about courses and training opportunities available.
Throughout the day an exhibition area was open featuring lots of practical information on the qualifications required for different jobs, how to access training, career prospects and pre-registering as a student. Members of staff from each of the agencies were joined by career advisers to answer questions and provide advice.
Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service very much welcomed the opportunity the event gave pupils. He said: “This is a great chance for young people in Highland to decide whether a career in health or medicine is for them. Many might consider becoming a Doctor or a Nurse but what today has really highlighted is the very varied range of different health careers available. I’m sure everyone taking part will now be much clearer on their options and I wish all the young people well in their chosen careers.”
Lorraine Dick, Community Relations Advisor with LifeScan said: “LifeScan is delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile project. Not only does it provide excellent guidance and insight for young people interested in a career in health, but it also offers a whole new perspective for our own employees, who will gain a great deal of personal development from their involvement.”
Pamela Cremin, Workforce Planning and Development Manager with NHS Highland said: “This event has been a fantastic opportunity for young people to understand and experience the diversity of NHS Careers and learn first hand from a range of NHS Highland clinicians, who have found the time in their busy and demanding schedules to provide interactive and hands on workshops across a number of healthcare settings, that will inform and encourage young people to consider a career in health in the future.”
Lindsey Moodie, Business Development Manager for the Centre for Health Science Company, is delighted that the event was hosted at the Centre for Health Science. “The Centre is an excellent venue for this type of event and we are delighted that so many of our partners participated in the event. With our state-of-the-art teaching and training facilities the pupils were able to get a real hands-on, practical experience and will hopefully go away with a great understanding of the opportunities that exist in the health / life sciences sector.”