Beyond the familiar roles of doctors and nurses, NHSGGC is seeking individuals with a fascination for physics, a talent for photography, or a knack for fixing things. The health board is actively promoting a wide spectrum of career paths that extend far beyond traditional healthcare professions.
Errin Hughes, who graduated with a degree in illustration, found an unexpected career path as one of NHSGGC’s first Apprentice Health & Safety Officers. Initially working in a coffee shop, she discovered the apprenticeship opportunity and encouraged others to consider diverse industries. "I never realised there were opportunities in completely different industries available to me," she stated. "When I saw this apprenticeship, I thought: why not? I’ve got nothing to lose."
The health board is highlighting how interests such as physics can lead to careers in radiotherapy planning, while engineering skills can be applied to maintaining sophisticated medical equipment. Even an eye for photography can lead to a role as a clinical photographer supporting patient care.
Roles such as Health Play Specialists use creativity to help children understand and cope with frightening medical experiences, while Clinical Perfusion Scientists work with surgical teams during heart operations. These diverse roles demonstrate that there is more to working for the NHS than many might imagine.
Fellow apprentice Amy Stevenson, with a psychology degree, has experienced this variety firsthand, with her Health & Safety role taking her from a hospital helipad to an industrial laundry. Similarly, 19-year-old Ellie Mitchell discovered a career possibility in Health & Safety after initially considering dental nursing. "I didn’t even know a job like this existed," she commented.
NHSGGC emphasises that there is no single route into the organisation, with apprenticeships and employability programmes offering starting points alongside graduate and professionally qualified careers. Alison Pugh, who joined as a young apprentice 13 years ago and is now a Staff Bank supervisor, shared her positive experience: "Joining the NHS has been the best thing I’ve ever done. You get real work experience, and you’re fully supported throughout."
The health board's employability teams and job coaches assist individuals in exploring opportunities and identifying where their skills and interests might fit within the NHS. The message is that many may already possess the makings of an NHS career without realising the specific job roles exist.
