“A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes, JR.

This quote aptly sums up what being a student at South Devon UTC is all about.  Our mission is to prepare the next generation of Health & Social Care workers for employment and to do that we try to introduce them to a range of careers and different pathways to success.  Year 12 students were visited by Dr Douglas Reece and Debra Horide, NHS Outreach Project Support Officer for Diagnostics who provided a very informative session about the role and progression route of a Radiographer in the NHS.  Our students were very excited when they were invited by Dr Reece to attend a taster day in the department at Exeter Hospital, not only will they gain valuable experience in a clinical setting but will each receive a £25 bursary for attending!  Lilia said “I was unsure about pursuing a career in the sector, but now I’m really interested in Radiography”.  

Straight after the visit, Year 12 students were joined by Year 13 students to attend an NHS Apprenticeship show at the Horizon Centre at Torbay Hospital.  It is amazing to discover how many different careers can be started through an Apprenticeship scheme in the NHS.  Our students talked to lots of different representatives and gained valuable insights which will enable them to make informed choices at the end of their education.  Amy has applied to university to become a Social Worker, but was interested to find that there is an apprenticeship route into the career, she said “I didn’t realise that it would be an option for me, but now I can explore that route in more detail – it’s nice to have choices”.