If you can see it, you can be it - NHS Grampian partners with Aberdeen secondary school to develop future workforce
Published: 20/02/2024 08:47NHS Grampian has teamed up with St Machar Academy in Aberdeen, taking inspiration from American ‘Career Academies’, to give young people a taste of healthcare careers and build the workforce of the future and NHS Scotland Youth Academy, focusing on collaboration with partners to support widening access to careers for young people.
One of the lesser-known impacts of COVID-19 has been the impact it has had on the opportunities available for young people to access wider learning opportunities. This includes in-school visits and work experience opportunities. This is now being reflected in reduced applications for healthcare associated foundation apprenticeships, and further and higher education courses.
As part of its Plan for the Future, NHS Grampian is committed to developing the potential local workforce and being an ‘anchor’ organisation, by offering opportunities to attract and keep people in North-East Scotland. The Practice Education team have been making this a reality by developing St Machar Healthcare+. A classroom at the Aberdeen secondary school has been transformed into a space where young people can learn more about the range of careers available in healthcare and get hands-on experience in a simulated environment.
Jane Ewen, Nurse Director, Excellence & Innovation said: “We were inspired by the approach taken by the Academies of Nashville. In 2005 they began working very closely with local employers in Nashville, to redesign their education programme. This has resulted in increased the number of students graduating and widening opportunities for all students from all social backgrounds into healthcare.
“Thanks to the support of The Wood Foundation and NHS Scotland Academy we are delighted to be partnering with St Machar Academy to make this a reality.”
Iona Reid, Head Teacher at St Machar Academy said: “As a school we have recently changed our vision and values in consultation with young people and other stakeholders. ‘I Belong; We Achieve: creating opportunities through community and partnership’, reflects the importance of reaching out and establishing partnerships within the community.
“Our partnership with the NHS is an important example of how we can create exciting and focussed opportunities for learning in real life contexts and at the same time help young people explore future employment opportunities. The NHS is one of the largest employers in the north-east and therefore both the individual and the wider community benefit when we explore opportunities together.”
The revamped classroom space has got the seal of approval from young people at the school. Pao (S5) said: “When I first saw the classroom, I thought it could be a cool place for learning new things, especially for younger pupils to learn more about the area.
“I want to be a psychologist so I can help people and solve problems. I plan to stay on for S6 then apply to University. Currently, I am doing a Mental Health Award, and National 5 Psychology alongside my Highers. I have learned a lot in the Health Sector course, including gaining experience learning how to use the medical equipment.”
Emma (S5) said: “The healthcare classroom has put me in a position where I get practical and theory experience in a work environment. NHS Grampian has given me lots of practical experience such as moving and handling patients. I have a dream career of being an adult mental health nurse and this will help me achieve that.”
Councillor Martin Greig, convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee for Aberdeen City Council, said: “St Machar Academy’s partnership with the NHS is an important example of how a school can create exciting and focussed opportunities for learning in real life contexts and at the same time help young people explore future employment opportunities.”
Jane added: “As an employer, NHS Grampian can have a major influence on the economic sustainability of this region by working with communities, developing young people and building and retaining our local workforce.”
The classroom was officially named St Machar Healthcare+ following discussions with young people at the school, with pupil Michelle Igbogbo coming up with the winning suggestion.
This work has been supported by The Wood Foundation, the Russell Anderson Foundation, and Ford Next Generation Learning.