Careers information evening was a job well done for Kettering

Budding health and social care professionals turned out in Kettering earlier this week to find out more about courses and careers through the University of Northampton.

Lecturers from nursing, social work, health and social care and midwifery were on hand on Wednesday  to update potential students about what the courses involve, admission requirements, what study assistance the University of Northampton offers and possible career paths with the qualifications attained.

Current students from the midwifery course gave their perspective on life at University of Northampton and David Lewis, Vice President Union Development at the Student Union answered questions about sports, societies and support from the SU.

The university’s Changemaker team updated guests about how they help students with future employability through volunteering and innovative work projects and student finance was demystified by university representatives.

Graham Theobold, from Kettering, attended and spoke to Senior Lecturer Roger Keenoo about the Mental Health Nursing course on offer: “It was enlightening. I have already done a degree in English Literature and felt I’d hit a dead end career wise. I fancied a career change, or a progression and came to talk about Mental Health nursing. Roger definitely sold it to me.”

Kettering resident Graham Theobold discussed the University of Northampton’s Mental Health Nursing course during the information event.

Cindy O’Dell, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing, said: “Being able to talk to people from all walks of life and in different situations is part and parcel of being a nurse and is one of the best things about being a nurse. I spoke to people who are really curious and determined to make brilliant nurses.”

Karen Brasher, Lecturer in Health and Social Care, said: “It’s been great to be more accessible and talk to people to help give them some direction about where they want to go with their careers.”

Kim Ebbs, Midwifery Lecturer, added: There’s been a great interest from people who came to this event.  It reached out to people from different locations of diverse ages and backgrounds, giving them the confidence that studying is achievable at any age if they put their mind to it and focus on what they ultimately want.”

Kettering was chosen as the venue for this event as Kettering General Hospital is one of the university’s health partners, an example of a location where students can be located during course placements.