A recent careers fair organised by Vikki Barnes-Brown (Occupational Therapy lecturer) and Emily Grant (Physiotherapy lecturer) was a resounding success, offering students valuable opportunities to network with some of the region’s most prestigious healthcare organisations.
The event, which was attended by students from Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Diagnostic Radiography, and Orthoptics, attracted 143 enthusiastic attendees.
The session provided an invaluable platform for students to explore a wide range of career opportunities within the healthcare sector, while also allowing local NHS Trusts to showcase their organisations and the benefits of joining their teams.
Emily Grant, who has previously organised career events for Physiotherapy students, collaborated with Vikki Barnes-Brown this year to create a larger, more inclusive event. This joint project was a strategic move to attract a broader spectrum of students, from various AHP disciplines, as well as more employers looking to connect with the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The careers fair was attended by a host of well-respected organisations, including:
- Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
- Bridgewater NHS Trust
- Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Liverpool University Foundation Hospitals Trust
- Mersey Care NHS Trust
- Mersey and West Lancs Teaching Hospitals
- Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust
- Warrington & Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Wirral Community NHS Trust
In addition to the networking opportunities, the fair allowed students to gain invaluable advice on job applications, interview tips, and insights into what employers are looking for in potential candidates. This is particularly crucial for healthcare students, where the competition for roles is high, and the skills and knowledge required to excel in the industry are constantly evolving.
At SAHPN, we believe that by connecting our students with employers in face-to-face situations, it not only enables them to learn more about the intricacies and nuances of the roles available to them, but also builds their confidence and enhances their employability prospects.
The event was also supported by the University’s Careers and Employability Service, with careers coaches present to offer additional resources to help students navigate the job market and take the next step in their professional journey.
Given the success of this year’s event, there are plans to make the careers fair an annual occasion. Emily and Vikki now hope to grow next year’s event further to include more students from the School’s different programmes, and more employers from across the North West as well.