GHP July 2016

4 | ghp July 2016 Consider a Career in the NHS Speaking at a major conference in Cardiff, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Health Vaughan Gething has raised awareness of the excellent employment opportunities and careers that exist within NHS Wales. The Widening Access Conference aimed to identify ways of encouraging individuals to consider a career in the NHS, and to highlight opportunities for career development for existing staff. Vaughan Gething said: w “There are more than 300 different roles within the NHS, from doctors to dental teams, nurses to neurophysiologists, paramedics to porters, radiographers to receptionists and many more. Each of these roles requires a set of skills, some of those skills will be common, some will be specific to that role; this means there are a wide range of employment opportunities for all within the NHS. “Whether it’s working with primary schools to introduce young children to the NHS through play; or work experience opportunities designed to provide older students with a taste of what the working world is like, there are so many positive initiatives already in place to encourage people, whatever their age or background, to consider a career in our fantastic NHS. “We have apprenticeships, access programmes and other initiatives to help support young people. We have committed to increasing the number of apprenticeships in Wales for all ages - we must make sure we shape these apprenticeships in a way that reflects the needs to the NHS. It is not all about the young, widening access is also about supporting individuals to change careers and supporting those returning after a career break and we’re doing just that. “But more can and will be done. Our NHS is respected and admired across the world. The people working in the NHS are the beating heart of this and I would encourage anyone with passion, commitment and a desire to help and support people to consider a career in our NHS.” news