Harrogate students inspired to pursue NHS careers during work experience week

This is the second year that Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has supported the Harrogate High School Year 10 work experience programme.

The programme gives students an informative and enriching introduction to the wide range of career opportunities available within the NHS.

Over the course of the week, students were given the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles across the Trust, gaining first-hand experience of both clinical and non-clinical departments.

Some of these included Pharmacy, Land and Property, Strategy Deployment and Programme Delivery, Procurement and Finance, Library Services, Clinical Skills Education Centre, Communications, Research, and Switchboard.

The students undertook a variety of activities during each department rotation.

During their time spent time with the clinical research team, students tested procedures using training dummies and designed posters to support departmental messaging, broadening their understanding of how research underpins safe and effective patient care.

Joshua Deyes, a student at Harrogate High School said: “I really enjoyed developing my knowledge and understanding of the practical skills needed to work in the NHS.

“It was interesting to see how many non‑clinical roles there are and how they all work together to provide excellent patient care.”

Ethan Faulkner, Careers Officer at Harrogate High School, added: “Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust provided an invaluable opportunity for our students which showcased the wonderful range of exciting careers available.

“We are proud to work in partnership with HDFT to provide meaningful experiences that help prepare our students for their future.”

Matt Graham, Director of Strategy at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Work experience is a brilliant way for students to gain insight into the NHS and discover careers that help deliver care to our patients, children and communities every day.”