500 students try CPR and VR at Ipswich NHS careers fair

Why it matters: The event gave hundreds of young people a close-up look at healthcare roles they may never have considered, while showing how apprenticeships and on-the-job qualifications can offer practical routes into the NHS without the cost of university.

The details: Students from Years 10, 11 and sixth form rotated through stands covering clinical and non-clinical roles at the event organised by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs Ipswich Hospital and several community services.

At the pathology table, they examined anatomical models including human lungs and brains, while the dietetics stand featured large-scale anatomical demonstrations. The ophthalmology stand let students try on different prescription glasses to understand vision conditions, and physiotherapy staff demonstrated blood pressure monitoring techniques.

Other activities included:

• Virtual reality headsets at the radiotherapy stand
• Speech and language therapy demonstrations, including eye tests
• A competitive "Sit to Stand" challenge testing how many reps students could complete in 30 seconds
• Exploring careers in finance, IT, estates and facilities

Doctors, nurses and other professionals led the demonstrations, explaining entry routes, qualifications and training pathways, including apprenticeships.

The bigger picture: Now in its fourth year, the careers fair has grown from what organisers describe as "a small idea" into a major recruitment initiative for the trust.

ESNEFT recently launched new health and care facilities for students at Chantry Academy and Ipswich Academy, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to developing local talent for the NHS workforce.

The Mayor of Ipswich, Cllr Stefan Long, attended the event and put his CPR skills to the test.

What they're saying: Kay Pilkington-Blacker, ESNEFT Talent for Care lead, said: "What began as a small idea has become a vibrant, energetic day of inspiration. Each stand sparked imaginations as students tried their hands at practical activities, listened to real NHS staff stories and gained an authentic sense of the roles that keep our services moving."

Pete Cook, Director of Research, Innovation and Education at ESNEFT, said: "School pupils and students are the workforce for the future of the NHS. There are so many career and training options available in healthcare, and the fair has been a fantastic way to show some of these and find out how students can work towards those."

The bottom line: The careers fair gave over 500 local students hands-on experience of NHS roles, from CPR practice to virtual reality technology, while emphasising apprenticeships as viable alternatives to traditional university routes into healthcare.

Learn more about healthcare apprenticeships