Occupational Therapy News OTnews October 2019 | Page 34

FEATURE CAREER DEVELOPMENT There is so much more to the NHS than doctors and nurses. This helps me to understand what I want to do when I am older. I would seriously consider an NHS career in AHP. Think about what career path would be best for me, and then follow up on that by choosing the correct subjects in years to come. Learn, study hard and achieve my goal to help others. Feedback from the pupils to meet with the different professions, who engaged the pupils and inspired them to start thinking about their future career opportunities. AHP staff said that the experience had been enjoyable for clinicians and the pupils had appeared interested in learning more about the professions through the use of practical tasks and interactions and discussions. The AHP staff also highlighted the experience as an excellent CPD opportunity. The organisers felt that it was beneficial to have had two staff involved with the planning, co-ordination and preparation for these events. This commenced in April 2018, with the events taking place in November 2018. Although a lot of hard work and effort to organise, the planning did not always go smoothly. However it was all worthwhile when observing the pupils engage with the different professions and when receiving such positive feedback from all involved. The use of the video proved successful, and with its generalised content, it will not require updating in the forseeable future and can therefore be used for other career events. Some of the challenges for the organisers included communication with schools, poor returns of evaluations from the school staff, as well as the room size and acoustics. It is acknowledged that there is Good event, which seemed to interest many of the pupils, and provided an opportunity for recruitment to AHP. Excellent event, would be happy to participate in it again. It was a great way to advertise our profession and to widen the pupils’ career options. Feedback and comments from AHP staff 34 OTnews October 2019 limited accommodation within hospital settings to hold these large scale events and a consideration for the future would be to hold them within schools inviting pupils from cluster areas to attend. For future events the organisers would ensure that the communications department for NHS Fife would be available to showcase the good work within and outwith NHS Fife. A Twitter account will also be considered. The feedback has enabled the AHP PEL and occupational therapy professional manager to consider the next steps, which include exploring the recommendations and feedback received and making decisions on the planning, organisation and sustainability for future events. The organisers also plan to follow up with the schools in three years’ time to explore whether any of the pupils who attended the event chose an AHP career. Margaret Braid, AHP practice education lead, NHS Fife, email: [email protected], and Lynn Dorman, occupational therapy professional manager, mental health, email: [email protected]. If you require further information or copies of the resources please contact Margaret or Lynn. Fun morning, high energy from pupils. Would be happy to be involved in future events. I wish there was something like this when I was at school.