New scheme to inspire school children to consider a career in the NHS

Following the success of a pilot, the 'Step Into the NHS' programme is now being rolled-out nationally and is open to all primary schools across England.

Step Into the NHS aims to promote the breadth of careers available within the health service.

Over 2,000 children from 43 primary schools from across England took part in the scheme earlier this year and were provided with a range of educational resources which highlighted the variety of roles the NHS has to offer, from nurses and surgeons, to IT professionals and scientists.

New findings show the scheme, which also included a competition, not only helped to raise aspirations amongst children, but also helped to challenge misconceptions, particularly in relation to gender stereotyping.

For example, the number of participating children who said men could work as a nurse increased by 49 per cent.

The number of participating children who said men could work as a midwife increased by 59 per cent.

The number of children aware that healthcare scientist was a role in the NHS increasing from 25% to 81% at the end of the scheme.