Thousands of young people could be missing out on careers in the NHS because they are unaware of the opportunity of apprenticeships according to research by Health Education England (HEE).
Nearly half of 14-18 year olds have never considered a career in the NHS and 40% did not know it was possible to do an apprenticeship in the NHS.
Respondents still also held misconceptions about apprenticeships, with 86% of those young people surveyed saying they believed the schemes were only for those looking to pursue a trade such as plumbing and engineering.
A further 42% believed they were only for people who struggled academically.
Laura Roberts, who leads HEE’s national Talent for Care and Widening Participation programmes, said ‘We are keen to make sure that [14-18 year olds] are aware of the varied and fulfilling opportunities available in the NHS’. The research found a quarter (26%) of respondents are not confident they will end up in a career they will enjoy.
‘Apprenticeships provide routes into a variety of careers in the NHS and are an excellent opportunity to earn, gain work experience and achieve nationally recognised qualifications at the same time,’ she added.
Following the research HEE is launching the #NHyeS campaign to encourage young people into the NHS using apprenticeships.
The campaign is being run through HEE’s careers service and aims to promote apprenticeships in the NHS as a viable first choice for young people.
HEE surveyed 500 young people aged between 14-18 years currently in secondary education from 26 August-
5 September.
The NHS aims to create 100,000 apprenticeships, including in the nursing and healthcare assistant workforce, by 2020.