Health and Social Care Jobs Fair: Careers Spotlight
A jobs fair in Birkenhead next week will shine a light on the career possibilities within the Health and Social Care sector. While many people are familiar with roles such as nursing, there are also a wide range of opportunities that are often overlooked yet are equally rewarding and make a real difference.
With over 20 employers and training providers attending the event, we take a look at some of the diverse job opportunities available:
- Clinical Support Workers are a pivotal role in the NHS, responsible for assisting doctors and nurses in providing hands-on care to patients. Tasks can include helping patients with mobility, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring comfort during treatment.
- Support Workers (Community & Care Homes) play a vital role in providing assistance to individuals in their daily lives, whether at home or in a care home setting. These roles often involve working closely with individuals to help them maintain independence and improve quality of life.
- Healthcare Assistants provide personal care, such as washing, dressing, and feeding, while also supporting nurses and other medical professionals in delivering care.
- Domestic Assistants ensure that healthcare environments are clean, safe, and welcoming for both patients and staff. Their work plays a critical role in infection prevention and control.
- Residential Childcare Workers provide care, support, and supervision to children and young people living in residential care settings, ensuring their safety and promoting their well-being and development. This role makes a real difference to young people who may not have had the best of starts in life.
- Porters are essential for the smooth running of hospitals and healthcare facilities, moving patients, equipment, and supplies quickly and efficiently.
- Healthcare Cleaning Professionals ensure that healthcare environments are not only clean but also safe and compliant with hygiene standards, making a significant contribution to patient care.
- Nurses and Allied Health Professionals
The sector has a high demand for qualified professionals such as nurses, health visitors, physiotherapists, radiographers, and occupational therapists.
Employers attending include Wirral University Teaching Hospitals and the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership, Wirral Council, and a wide range of private sector health and care providers.
Training opportunities for all
Many people think jobs fairs are only for those looking for a job, but there is also a wealth of information – and opportunities to apply for – training courses and apprenticeships.
The University of Chester and Wirral Met College will both be in attendance, with a range of courses suitable for everyone from school leavers and those looking for access courses or higher education.
The University of Chester will be sharing information on their range of adult nursing courses which are available on both a full and part-time basis. This can make further training or a career change more accessible while balancing other commitments such as family life. Sixth form leavers will be able to access information to help make the right career choices, and degrees can be combined with Foundation years where required, opening them up to those who haven’t got the typical entry qualifications.
Wirral Met College will be talking attendees through the Level 1, 2 and 3 Social Care training they offer for 16 – 18 year olds, as well as their Access to Higher Education courses for Nursing and Allied Professionals aged 19 and over.
For those looking to earn while they learn, a range of apprenticeships will also be available to apply for on the day, including within the NHS.
Hayley Rigby, Deputy Chief People Officer at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said:
Wirral University Teaching Hospital is proud to be a partner of this event to support local people to access careers in health and social care. We have a range of clinical and non-clinical job roles available. Don’t worry if you don’t have the experience or qualifications, we can provide this through our apprenticeship vacancies where we will fund qualifications to support people into their chosen career paths.
Who can attend?
The simple answer is that the Health and Social Care Jobs Fair offers something for everyone, with jobs available which span all experience levels and backgrounds such as:
• Entry-level opportunities for those new to the sector or re-entering the workforce.
• Career changers who are looking for a fresh start in a rewarding new sector
• Experienced professionals who want to take the next step in their career
• Students and graduates who are coming to the end of their studies and want to take their first steps into the workforce
A career that makes a difference
Health and Social Care offers not only job stability but also the chance to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Whether assisting patients in hospital, or supporting vulnerable individuals in their own homes, the work is rewarding, impactful, and highly valued.
Leader of Wirral Council, Councillor Paul Stuart, said:
Connecting job seekers and employers is vital in allowing people to find new opportunities and fulfil their potential, as well as ensuring local organisations have access to talented, enthusiastic workers.
The Health and Social Care sector – which is fundamental to our community – has a crucial need to attract and retain new talent, and we’re dedicated to uniting employers with the skilled job seekers Wirral has to offer. This event will make it easy for potential employees to access information on getting into, or returning to the sector, as well as giving the opportunity to apply for jobs or apprenticeships there and then.
So anyone who wants to find out more about the jobs available in this rewarding sector, I’d say come along to the fair – it’s a one stop shop to speak to employers, training providers and careers support under one roof.
This project is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, through the city region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation. The fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda, providing £2.6 billion of funding for local Investment by March 2025.
The jobs fair takes place next week on Tuesday 21st January 2025 from 2pm to 7pm at The Hive, Bright Street, Birkenhead, CH41 4EA. Accompanied children are welcome, and anyone wanting to attend can simply turn up on the day, or register in advance here: https://wirralhscjobsfair.eventbrite.co.uk/?aff=wirralview2
