Health care

• Health care is the largest employment sector in Norfolk employing just under 35,000 people
• The NHS has a shortage of around 100,000 staff and vacancies are still growing.
• Other roles where there are shortages include: GP, pharmacist, medical radiographer, nursing assistant, physiotherapist, speech and language therapist, paramedic, dentists, operating department practitioner and psychologist.
• New technologies mean new jobs working in Health Tech.  These include patient monitoring, diagnostics, genetics, data analytics, robotics, 3D printing, assistive technologies and artificial intelligence.
• Did you know, there are over 350 different careers in the NHS?  The Health Careers website has lots of case studies and videos to explore.

• Listening
• Flexibility
• Care and compassion
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Planning and organisation
• Problem solving
• Digital skills
• Speaking
• Calm under pressure
• Analytical skills

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Maths
• English
• Physics
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Computer science

• NHS including Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, James Paget Hospital in Gorleston, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn and many health centres
• Norfolk Community Health & Care Trust
• Norfolk County Council - NORSE
• NHS Norfolk and Waveney
• Spire Healthcare
• Various care homes - many employ nursing and therapeutic staff

Dental nurse                    £16,750-£20,750

Lab technician                 £17,250-£26,500

Medical secretary            £17,500-£24,250

Nurse                               £24,250-£51,000

Midwife                            £31,400-£46,750

Biological scientist           £24,750-£50,500

Pharmacist                      £23,500-£51,600

Doctor                              £31,500-£97,400+

(figures from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2021)

There are job opportunities at all qualification levels but some jobs in health and care need a degree or postgraduate degree.

Getting good GCSE grades in maths, English and STEM subjects such as biology and chemistry will help you get into this sector and keep your career options open.

Options at 16

A levels - biology and/or chemistry are often looked for by universities for medicine and healthcare courses - check requirements carefully.

Apprenticeship - health care apprenticeships can lead to work or further study; some intermediate apprentices can gain their GCSE grade 4-9 in maths and English at the same time - check what's available.  Examples are:

Intermediate apprenticeship (level 2)

• Pharmacy services assistant
• Healthcare support worker
• Healthcare science assistant

Advanced apprenticeship (level 3)

• Community health and wellbeing worker
• Prosthetic and orthotic technician
• Ambulance support worker
• Dental nurse

T level and other vocational qualifications in health and healthcare science prepare you for work in a range of healthcare roles such as healthcare, dental nurse and radiography assistant; they may also allow you to apply for a degree in nursing or healthcare.

Options at 18 or 19

Undergraduate degree - many careers in the health sector require a degree and some require further training and study, such as pharmacist or clinical psychologist.

Apprenticeship - there's a wide range of higher and degree apprenticeships at different levels in this sector; some open the door for clinical practice, others for essential support roles. Examples include:

• Paramedic (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Midwife (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Health play specialist (level 5)
• Public health practitioner (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Medical statistician (level 7)
• District nurse (level 7)
• Orthodontic therapist (level 4)

Level 7 apprenticeship degrees for doctor will be available soon.

Gaining experience

Work experience, a paid job or voluntary work will improve your chances of finding a job in health or social care; it will also help when applying for an apprenticeship or degree course.