Training the next generation of health care professionals at AHP Careers Day

19 October 2022

Over 130 young people, accompanied by their parents, attended a Joint ICB Allied Health Professionals’ (AHP) Careers Day (15 October) at the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston (UHBW) Education Centre to celebrate the end of AHP week.

Throughout day, young people engaged with activities and simulations that showcased eight of the 14 AHP professions. They took part in activities such as a paramedic simulation, delivered by Jon Newton and his team from The University of the West of England; using an Ultrasound machine, and conducting eye tests.

Young people also discussed their career plans with institutions, including Weston College, University of Gloucestershire, and the Prince’s Trust. These discussions where further supported by the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB), NHS North Bristol Trust (NBT) and UHBW who provided information around apprenticeships and volunteering.

Feedback from the attendees highlighted the enthusiasm of staff and the breath of roles available within Health and Social care:

“Lots of information was given that I did not know about before”
“I really enjoyed the interactive features”
The paramedic demonstration and interactive activities (radiology)
That there are many different routes into getting into health care and the variety of health care generally
That there’s multiple careers in healthcare and there’s different ways you could get to your chosen career.

Vimal Sriram, Director of AHPs at UHBW and Senior Responsible Officer for the BNSSG AHP Faculty said:

“The new BNSSG integrated care system relies on collaborative working among partner organisations and am very proud that clinical and non-clinical colleagues from provider, voluntary sector, commissioning and Higher Education Institutes came together and worked collaboratively as Allied Health Professionals and supporting systems to support and make this day a success.

“The AHP careers day took place during a busy time when our services continue to remain under pressure. It is clear, that the time and effort provided by AHPs will continue to support the care and treatment that our patients receive, through active engagement of our local communities and motivating the next generation of AHP students and colleagues.”

The professions promoted at the event in central Bristol were dieticians, occupational therapists, operating department practitioners, orthoptists, paramedics and assistants, physiotherapists, radiographers, and speech and language therapists.

Find out more information about Allied Health Professionals careers.