A MAJOR event is being held to give young people an insight into careers in the health and care sector.

Students from schools and colleges across the Bradford district and Craven are being invited to take part in the careers fair, in March.

It is aimed at young people aged 13 to 18 who are making GCSE and A-level subject choices and might be starting to think about university or apprenticeships.

Professionals from a wide range of organisations will speak to students about the variety of careers on offer within the sector, and avenues into the roles.

There will also be the chance for participants to take part in interactive activities and workshops, giving them a taste of the practical side of working in health and care.

And there’ll be a focus on wider support available for young people, such as with health and wellbeing and relationships.

A number of organisations are behind the initiative, including NHS bodies, the local authority and Bradford University.

The fair takes place at the university’s Student Central, in Longside Lane, Bradford, on Wednesday, March 4.

Schools and colleges can choose to attend one of two sessions – between 9.30am and 11.45am, or 12.30pm to 2.45pm.

Brendan Brown, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and the senior responsible officer for workforce for Bradford district and Craven, welcomes the event.

He said: “This is a great opportunity for both schools and young people to find out about the wide range of career opportunities available to them in health, care, the voluntary and community and independent sector.

“There is so much more on offer than the traditional posts that people think of.

“As well as clinical roles such as doctors, nurses and midwives, there are other direct-care roles like physiotherapy, radiology, occupational therapy and social work, as well as vital support and business admin posts in IT, finance and research.”

Mr Brown added: “For schools, this is a one-stop-shop event to give their students the chance to talk to a wide range of staff working in health and care about their own career journeys and the kind of personal skills and grades/qualifications the young people will need for various roles.

“There are some amazing opportunities for students in our sector.

“We want to support young people to enter into these rewarding and fulfilling careers.

“It’s fantastic that organisations from across our health and care system have come together for the event. We are actively working with schools and colleges to ensure we raise awareness of career and job role opportunities.”

For more details about the fair and to book a place for your school/college and students, visit careersfair2020.eventbrite.co.uk.