The first health and care careers festival was such a success this week, it could become an annual event.
Organised by the Isle of Wight Council in partnership with the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, around 800 people attended the Lord Louis Library, Newport, on Wednesday to hear more about career opportunities from across the sector.
Katy Harwood, the council’s recruitment team leader, said,
“It was such a positive event and it was fantastic to see so many people exploring the variety of careers available in the health and care sector on the Island. Seeing everyone come together, united in attracting potential staff to all our roles was really special. Our own council teams conducted interviews and made job offers throughout the day which was a fantastic result.
“The Princes Trust deserve special mention; not only did they provide the funding for the event, they engaged on the day with all employers and visitors to ensure everyone aged between 16-30 was aware they could access free employability support, and I know our local employers will be keen to connect with them more in the future.
“Exhibitors all agreed this should be a yearly event, and we are looking forward to making it bigger and better next year.”
Many comments were made throughout the day from visitors and exhibitors on what a welcoming space the library provided and how accessible it was.
More than 25 exhibitors supported the festival and many commented positively on the diverse cross section of ages and backgrounds of those attending.
It included young people from St George’s School, Newport, and HTP, health and social care students from the Isle of Wight College, people who were looking to change careers from hospitality and retail, new parents looking to return to the workforce and a number of retired individuals looking to give back to the community.
Summer Lovegrove, head of resourcing at the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, added,
“It was great to work together with health and social care colleagues to showcase how many opportunities we have for people to start a career in healthcare.
“Our clinical staff were on hand to share more about their experience, career options and we are delighted to see applications coming in already from those who attended the event.”
The council and trust would like to thank everyone who helped to make the event such a success, including the Job Centre Plus team.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
