An aspiring medical student from Aberdeen has organised an exhibition to provide young people with information about the different career pathways available within the health service.
Christopher Connon (17) is behind the free Health and Young People Exhibition (HYPE) which will take place at Cults Academy this Saturday, November 30, from 11am to 4pm.
The sixth year Cults Academy pupil came up with the idea earlier this year after discussing with other senior pupils how difficult it is to pick a career in the health sector, identifying a need for an information event in the North-east.
Supported by fellow students, Christopher has secured key exhibitors including Aberdeen University, Robert Gordon’s University, NHS Grampian, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Scottish Ambulance and the Coastguard for the event.
He said: “I know from my own experience of researching career paths within the health sector that there isn’t a great deal of information available locally about job opportunities in the industry, despite there being loads of potential roles to consider.
“I think most people associate working in the health sector with being a doctor, nurse or dentist when the reality is the industry has a vastly varied workforce, comprising different skillsets and responsibilities.”
Christopher is hoping to be a doctor and has applied to Aberdeen University to study medicine in 2020.
He added: “We organised HYPE to give young people the chance to speak to people involved in the sector, find out more about their day to day jobs and get details on the different medical university courses available locally.
“We really think there is demand for an event like this in the North-east as we’re not aware of anything similar taking place nearby. We hope HYPE inspires those looking to embark on careers within the health sector and we look forward to welcoming young people, their teachers and families along to Cults Academy this weekend.”
Among the 40 different stalls available, visitors will be able to speak to senior emergency medical consultants, pharmacists, helimeds and representatives from medical charity’s including the Royal Life Saving Society and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) charity TechFest.
Those attending will be able to take part in free first aid training from SFRS and British Heart Foundation, have a look inside emergency response vehicles and attend interactive workshops about diet and health, delivered by University of Aberdeen Institute of Applied Health Sciences & Rowett Institute and Robert Gordon University.
David Barnett, head teacher at Cults Academy said: “This event has been entirely devised and organised by our pupils – a fabulous example of young people taking the initiative and organising something of huge benefit to other young people in the North east. This event will bring huge relevance to our young people’s learning as they decide upon their continuing career pathways.”
Adam Barker, Cults Academy’s developing the young workforce co-ordinator, said: “HYPE is an invaluable event for any young person interested in a career in the health profession. Events like HYPE are about showcasing the variety of learning and career pathways within different sectors.
“From our perspective, the opportunity to network with industry experts is essential in gaining an understanding of the skills required to succeed in any given role.”
HYPE will take place at Cults Academy this Saturday, November 30, from 11am to 4pm. Entrance is free and food and refreshments will be provided. Transport can be provided, for information on eligibility please email cahype30@gmail.com
