Publish date: 8 October 2025
Northumbria Healthcare strengthening links between the community and employment
Career practitioners from around the region were invited by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to a dedicated continuing professional development (CPD) day to enhance their understanding of Northumbria’s offer for young people and job seekers.
Following the success of last year’s event, the second Career Practitioner Day was held at the Northumbria Health and Care Academy in Cramlington. Over 30 career practitioners from schools, further education and the community attended and gained valuable knowledge about how the trust supports people into employment and the range of career pathways available.
Those in attendance represented mainstream, alternative and special education needs and disabilities (SEND) organisations.
The day began with an overview of the trust’s widening participation strategy, highlighting the ongoing work to support people in our communities from all backgrounds into employment by removing barriers to entry through providing alternative educational routes.
Career practitioners are a crucial link between the trust and reaching those seeking employment. By providing them with knowledge of the trust’s offerings, including its extensive apprenticeship scheme, they are able to educate members of the community and be a positive influence on their career journeys.
By showcasing and celebrating over 350 careers in healthcare, attendees heard from industry experts in fields such as endoscopy, healthcare sciences, radiology and digital services. Positive feedback from the day highlighted the marketplace interactions as attendees had the opportunity to network with both clinical and non-clinical professionals.
In addition to learning about career opportunities, attendees were able to experience educational facilities at the Health and Care Academy such as the immersive suite which is used to bring learning to life and learn more about the Melissa bus, a bus used for training and simulation.
Wayne Daley, Head of corporate social responsibility said “Our community promise is focussed on making a difference to local people and this event demonstrated that the NHS is a great career choice, whether in clinical or health related support services, inspiring the future workforce and showing how you can be part of it.”
Ruth Auton, head of education, learning and organisational development, said: “This event has helped us to build and strengthen connections with career practitioners who are crucial to helping us reach members of our community and highlighting the variety of opportunities available that will help them have a successful career in healthcare, no matter their role.”
Katie Stevens, Non-Executive Director, opened the day. Talking about the event, she said: “As a trust, we are committed to growing our own workforce from school leavers age and beyond. This event has empowered career practitioners through education on what the trust can offer and they will hopefully take away this knowledge to support people in our community.”
Media contact
Louise Alexander, social media and digital assistant
Louise.Alexander@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk