NHS urges students in Coventry and Warwickshire to consider an NHS career
Mel Coombes MBE, Chief Executive at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust has congratulated local students receiving their A Level, T Level or BTEC results this week, calling on anyone not sure of their career path to consider joining the NHS through the final remaining healthcare degree places available.
Already this year, 33,560 people in England have applied for a nursing degree, and 7,290 have applied to become a midwife.
Now exam results have been announced, clearing places are available for nursing and midwifery and the NHS is reminding students who may be reconsidering their choices that a future in health care could be the life-changing career they're looking for.
Mel Coombes MBE, Chief Executive at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust said: “It's fantastic to see so many young people making the decision to pursue a career in the NHS. As a learning disability nurse myself, I know that nursing is one of the most rewarding and diverse careers, with over 50 different jobs and specialities that students can look into while studying and after graduating.
“For those who are still deciding on their next steps or perhaps rethinking their original choices, I would urge you to consider applying for a nursing or allied health professionals course through UCAS clearing, and to search NHS careers to find out more.
“There are also great career options for anyone who doesn't want to go to university but would still like a future in health care. Healthcare support worker roles don't require a degree and give the chance to gain practical on-the-job experience with patients while offering fantastic progression opportunities. If you want to join us here at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, you can apply for these roles directly on our website.”
Student nurses, midwives and allied health professionals could also be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund and receive at least £5,000 a year.
Claire Bradford, Community Learning Disability Nurse at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust has shared her experiences as a student nurse.
She said: "I started working in the social care sector as a support worker for people with learning disabilities a couple of years before commencing my degree in learning disability nursing. Throughout my training, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust provided lots of placement opportunities that included specialist respite services, multi-disciplinary community services, intensive support services, and inpatient assessment and treatment services. During this time, I was extremely well supported by the nursing teams and exposed to any learning opportunities that helped to expand my knowledge and further develop my skillset.
“I graduated from Coventry University in 2023 and have joined a community learning disability team covering the Coventry and Rugby area. I love my new role working with a multi-disciplinary team supporting our clients, as well as their families and carers, to feel empowered and to help them live a more fulfilling life.”
UCAS clearing is now open and prospective students will be able to apply for courses until 21 October. Entry requirements for nursing and midwifery degree courses will vary, but students are advised they will likely need at least two A Levels or equivalent. Contact a university directly to find out what specific qualifications are needed.
To discover progression opportunities and apply for healthcare support worker roles at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, visit careers.covwarkpt.nhs.uk.
If you think the NHS could be the career for you, search ‘NHS careers’ to find out more about the range of roles within the NHS and how to apply.