Before the end of term, pupils from our Medical Society (Years 10–13) spent some time at the ESNEFT NHS Careers Fair at Trinity Park in Ipswich.  An opportunity that gave them a proper look at what working in healthcare really involves.   

Rather than just talking about job titles, the fair brought careers to life. Pupils moved between hands-on stations covering everything from medicine, nursing and midwifery to radiography, physiotherapy, pharmacy and occupational therapy. There were opportunities to use real equipment, explore simulations, and ask honest questions of NHS staff who were generous with their time and experiences.    

For some pupils, the highlight was speaking directly to health care staff about university and apprenticeship pathways, as well as understanding specialisms. For others, it was discovering careers they hadn’t previously considered, learning how many different roles sit behind patient care, and how varied routes into the NHS can be.   

What stood out most was the atmosphere: busy, curious, and full of thoughtful conversations. Pupils left with clearer ideas, new questions, and a better understanding of the realities of working in healthcare; the responsibility, the teamwork, and the impact.