Chief Executive of QEH Visits KES Students Interested in Pursuing Careers in the NHS

On Thursday 20th April, groups of students from years 7-13 at King Edward VII Academy were visited by the Chief Executive of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Alice Webster and Interim Director of People at QEH, John Syson to talk about their careers in the NHS and create mutually beneficial community links.

All of the students involved in the talk were interested in finding out more about the possibilities available working within the NHS, not only within the Health and Social Care sector. Several students are currently pursuing subjects that they already hope will lead to a career in medicine and healthcare, with varying aspirations of which role they would like in the future, including a biomedical scientist, psychologist, and a nurse. Other interests sparked conversations regarding opportunities in Human Resources, Engineering, Architecture and Marketing. 

Students were able to ask Alice and John questions about their education and experience, and were able to gain valuable advice on how best to pursue a career either in the NHS or supported by The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Students also learnt about the myriad of routes available from A-Levels to Apprenticeships and T-Levels. Prefects supported the planning and leading of the sessions, developing their soft skills and were praised by Alice and John for their confidence, manners and questions. 

With Alice having over 20 years’ experience in nursing and leadership roles within the NHS, and John having similarly worked in leadership roles within the NHS for over 8 years’, they were both able to offer a wealth of knowledge to the students. 

Marianna Vaz in Year 7 said :

“I found the talk very informative and it was a delight to meet her.”

Lauren Hunt in Year 9 said :

“It was very helpful especially for those students who already know what they want to do to get more information. I particularly liked finding out about the many different roles available  no matter what you are studying.”

Principal of KES, Sarah Hartshorn said:

“Huge thanks to both Alice and John for taking the time to talk to our students. They were so inspired, it truly further ignited their desire to follow a career in the NHS. The next generation is ready!”