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Three in four young people likely to pursue a healthcare career

By Nithya Bose in Business News, posted February 17, 2024

Nearly three-quarters of young people in the UK are open to a career in healthcare, a survey finds.

However, concerns about challenging working conditions appear to be a significant deterrent.

The PA news agency surveyed 5,259 people aged between 16 and 26.

It finds 73 percent have considered or are considering a career within the healthcare sector.

However, deterrents such as low pay (90 percent), poor work-life balance (82 percent), job stress (79 percent), and lengthy working hours (75 percent) have emerged as major barriers.

Universities UK (UUK), representing 142 vice-chancellors, has raised concerns about the NHS workforce plan.

The organisation said the plan might not reach its full potential without offering young people better incentives and support for healthcare education.

The survey by Censuswide reveals 23 percent of participants were discouraged from pursuing healthcare education due to financial burdens during study periods.

Roughly three in four people said they would likely pursue healthcare studies at university if given more financial aid.

It includes grants and loans while studying (72 percent), or they got paid for clinical placements (73 percent).

Amid rising living costs, UUK advocates for enhanced maintenance support for healthcare students to alleviate financial pressures.

The context of these findings is crucial, especially considering the initial surge in healthcare course applications during the pandemic.

It has since seen a decline below pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest Ucas data.

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The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan aims to recruit 300,000 additional healthcare workers.

It faces challenges without significant changes in healthcare education and training, as warned by UUK.

"Without bold and urgent change, ambitious plans for the future of the NHS in England are set to fall flat”

The survey also revealed a lack of awareness among young people about the diverse career opportunities within the NHS beyond traditional roles like doctors and nurses.

Professor Alistair Fitt, health policy lead at UUK and vice-chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, said: “The good news from this survey is the strong interest among young people for rewarding healthcare careers.

“With broad political support to significantly increase the number of healthcare staff, the challenge is how we make NHS careers attainable for many more potential students.

“The health service needs a pipeline of talent to be able to provide high-quality care. Universities have a vital role in training that talent and stand ready to deliver through innovative approaches to education and training.

“However, without bold and urgent change, ambitious plans for the future of the NHS in England are set to fall flat.”

The Department of Health and Social Care has responded positively, highlighting the NHS long-term workforce plan supported by over £2.4 billion in government funding.

This plan aims to significantly increase the number of medical school and adult nurse training places.

It will also offer eligible students a minimum of £5,000 a year training grant.

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