The Black Country’s chief nurse has congratulated local students on receiving their A Level results today and is encouraging young people who may be considering their next steps to think about joining the NHS.
There are currently hundreds of places still available through UCAS Clearing for a nursing or midwifery degree. Nursing is one of the most employable degree courses in the UK, with 94% of graduates securing a job within six months of finishing their course.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Today marks the culmination of two years of hard work for local students, and while many will be heading to their chosen course or job as planned, for others it’s a time to reflect and think about your next steps.
“If you are still deciding what to do next, I would encourage you to consider applying for a place on a nursing or midwifery course. This truly is a hugely rewarding career where you can make a real difference to people’s lives – and there’s more than 50 different jobs and specialisms to choose from.”
Those who choose to attend university to study nursing or midwifery could be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund, which guarantees a grant of £5,000 per year, as well as specialist payments for studying mental health or learning disability nursing. Degree places are available through the Clearing system until 18 October and entry requirements for each course can be obtained direct from the university.
For anyone who decides university is not for them, a healthcare or maternity support worker role provides practical, on the job experience that directly benefits patients, as well as a potential route to becoming a qualified nurse or midwife if you choose to.
The NHS also offers a wide variety of apprenticeships and vocational options, in more than 350 roles ranging from frontline healthcare to business, management and creative positions.
Jonathan Lampitt chose the apprenticeship route with Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust (RWT) and is about to complete his Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, which has seen him move into a managerial position, mentoring other apprentices.
He said: “The apprenticeship programme has been a great experience. Through this programme I have been able to obtain a full-time post while completing my training at the same time, this gives me the opportunity to move forward with career and personal aspirations.”
Beth Griffin, 19, from Sandwell, gained a “foot in the door” by completing a placement with RWT sponsored by the Prince’s Trust. She is now looking forward to beginning a career with the Trust as a healthcare assistant or theatre support assistant.
She said: “I left school in 2018 and had no qualifications, no experience, had struggled with my mental health and often doubted myself. My pathways were never really spoken about so I was lost, but I wanted to work with people, within the NHS.
“The Prince’s Trust programme really has been a ‘foot in the door of the NHS’. It was really enjoyable and easy to apply for.
“It has proved to me that I can do what I put my mind to, and I’m sure if I can, others can. I am hoping to join the Trust and start more courses and stay working within the NHS now.”
To learn more about careers in nursing or midwifery, search “NHS Nursing Careers”.
To find job opportunities and apprenticeships that are available with NHS organisations in the Black Country, search “NHS careers”.
To find out more about the Prince’s Trust courses, visit the Prince's Trust website, call 0800 842 842 or Text ‘call me’ to 07983 385418 quoting Royal Wolverhampton.
