New Careers Toolkit Launched to Inspire Future Allied Health Professionals in Cumbria
A new careers toolkit has been launched by NHS professionals from North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC), in collaboration with the Cumbria Careers Hub, aimed at inspiring students across the region to explore careers in Allied Health Professions (AHPs).
Designed for students in Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, the toolkit offers a flexible and engaging introduction to five key AHP roles: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Podiatry, and Dietetics. Each profession is supported by a PowerPoint presentation, structured lesson plan, and teaching resources, all grounded in real-world insights from NCIC staff.
The initiative seeks to broaden students’ understanding of the diverse and rewarding career paths available within the NHS. Whether used in dedicated careers sessions or integrated into the curriculum, the materials aim to spark curiosity and encourage young people to consider roles they may not have previously encountered.
Dr Sarah Elliott, Associate Director of Allied Health Professionals and Professor of Practice at NCIC, shared her enthusiasm for the project:
“Here at North Cumbria Integrated Care Trust we are working in conjunction with Enterprising Cumbria through Cumbria Careers Hub to inform and promote the opportunities available to you in healthcare in the local area, and more specifically the Allied Health Professions. Being an AHP is a rewarding career that focuses on improving lives through diverse roles in patient care, rehabilitation, and health promotion across various settings like hospitals, communities, education, and homes.”
Cath Dutton, Strategic Careers Lead at Enterprising Cumbria, added:
“We’re proud to have collaborated closely with NCIC to develop these resources, which showcase the real-life experiences of local professionals. By making these careers more visible and relatable, we hope to inspire students to explore the many fulfilling roles available within the Allied Health Professions.”
The toolkit is a testament to the dedication of NHS staff who contributed their time, expertise, and passion to bring the project to life. It is hoped that this resource will not only inform but also inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals in Cumbria.
Downloads:
- Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Careers Toolkit for Teachers (.zip, 38MB).
- Alternatively, view the Gatsby Benchmark 4 resources for a full list of downloads