Around 300 careers in the NHS and in social care were showcased at Penwith College at the NHS+ event organised by West Cornwall MP Derek Thomas in association with Truro-Penwith College and the NHS.
Students from the college as well as members of the public were able to see what opportunities exist with more than 10 organisations, including the Cornwall Partnership Foundation Trust (CPFT), the South West Ambulance Service, Cornwall Council’s Adult Social Care department and several care providers, represented at the event.
The training and employment fair built on the launch of the Cornwall Health & Social Care Academy earlier this year which aims to attract college leavers and more mature people looking for a new work challenge.
Mr Thomas said people are surprised at the number and breadth of career opportunities available – jobs and training places available ranged from clinical roles to administrative posts.
“It was amazing to see just what an exciting range of jobs and careers exist no matter your age or qualifications,” he said.
“These new training opportunities have the potential to have a huge impact on the current situation where there are staff shortages in vital physical and mental health services by attracting local people and training them here in Cornwall.
“It is now much easier to access a course and there is much more flexibility about how you go about your training – there is also much greater awareness now of the need to improve the status, earning potential and career prospects of young people who are thinking about going into the care profession.
“I really believe that now is an excellent time to consider a career in the NHS or in social care and I hope that this event has helped to highlight the vast range of opportunities that currently exist.”
