NHS Essex is encouraging A-level students receiving their results this week to take their first step towards a rewarding career in healthcare.
As the largest employer in England with more than 1.5 million staff, opportunities in the NHS include roles in nursing, medicine, allied health professions and paramedic services, alongside careers in areas such as IT, finance, communications, administration and workforce development. Hundreds of thousands more work in wider healthcare such as GP practices, dental practices and opticians.
For those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, NHS Essex has developed a careers website showcasing the range of opportunities available. The website contains information on university courses, apprenticeships, and professional training routes that can help people begin their healthcare careers.
Well done to everyone who is collecting their A-level results today. Getting to this point is a real achievement and one which students should feel proud of. Completing your formal school education is a major milestone and the next part of your life can be both exciting and scary.
Kate Green, Health & Care Academy Manager at NHS Essex
However your final grades may have turned out, there are many career paths open to you as you start to plan what’s next. Healthcare offers a wide variety of career paths, supported by excellent education and training opportunities. There are routes available through university study, apprenticeships and professional training programmes. It’s the first step onto a successful and rewarding career in healthcare and the NHS.
If your grades weren’t what you expected, it is important to remember that advice is on hand to help you explore your options and take the next step with confidence.
Results day can bring a mixture of emotions, including excitement, relief and uncertainty. For some young people, it may also cause stress or anxiety while they consider their future plans.
Sam Goldberg, Executive Director of Commissioning at NHS Essex
Anyone feeling worried should remember that support is available. Teachers, family members and friends can all help you talk through your concerns and consider your next steps. There are also organisations such as Kooth and YoungMinds that can provide that extra level of advice and support if you need it.
Support is available for any young person struggling with their A-level results, including:
- Kooth provides free, anonymous online mental wellbeing support
- YoungMinds provides 24/7 crisis text support through its Crisis Messenger service by texting YM to 85258.