THE NHS in the North West is urging local students applying for UCAS and anyone not sure of their career path that joining the NHS could be the life-changing career they’re looking for ahead of the UCAS application deadline of 29 January 2025.

In 2024, 20,920 people in England accepted a place on a nursing degree. This included nearly 1,000 more school leavers compared to 2019 and before we saw an unprecedented spike in applications during the pandemic.

3,420 people also started their journey to become a midwife in 2024.

James McLean, Joint Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England in the North West, said: “I would encourage young people to really think about a career in the NHS. Nursing is one of the most rewarding and diverse careers, with over 50 different jobs and specialties that students can look into while studying and after graduating. I would urge you to consider applying for a nursing or midwifery course through UCAS clearing.”

Jean Hayles, Head of Nursing, Midwifery & Public Health in the Workforce, Training and Education Directorate at NHS England – North West, said: “For those who are still deciding on their next steps, look at nursing or midwifery as an option, and search NHS careers to find out more. I started my nurse training in 1986 and have never regretted that choice.

“There are also great career options for anyone who doesn’t want to go to university but would still like a future in healthcare. Healthcare support worker roles don’t require a degree and give the chance to gain practical on-the-job experience with patients while offering fantastic progression opportunities, via apprenticeships.”

Student nurses, midwives and allied health professionals could also be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund and receive at least £5,000 a year. Mental health and learning disability nursing students can also access an additional £1,000 a year in funding.

It was when Laura Parker, a student midwife at Liverpool John Moores University, had children that she realised she wanted to be a midwife.

Laura, who is from the Wirral, said: “Becoming a midwife means no two days are the same, and consistently challenging myself is important to ensure my own personal development, which is why the ever-evolving role of the midwife is an ideal career for myself. As a student I have already met so many different people from all walks of life and as a result I have learnt so much that will benefit me throughout my career.

Laura said she finds it extremely fulfilling to support the bringing of new life into the world. She said: “There is so much more to being a midwife than supporting with labour and birth which is often not reflected on TV programs, films and in news articles… So far as a student my confidence has improved tenfold, knowing I am making a positive difference to these women, pregnant people, and families lives give me great pleasure and job satisfaction.”

After a career in finance for nearly 20 years, Lou Stonley, a third-year adult nursing student at Chester University, decided to become a nurse. The impetus behind her decision was losing her parents and grandfather, and the birth of a daughter.

Lou said: “Having worked in finance for nearly 20 years I decided I needed a change. I reflected on the previous few years and considered what had brought me to a change of career and realised that whilst caring for my family in their final years was one of the hardest things I have ever had to face, I missed looking after people especially those who were vulnerable.”

Before starting her degree, Lou wondered whether she would be good enough, whether she was too old. She said: “The list went on, but I can confidently say this has been the best decision I have ever made. The academic side has been difficult at times. However, the unwavering support of my fellow students and university staff has been my saving grace… I can honestly say I have found my calling and would strongly recommend to anyone considering a future within nursing, take the leap you have nothing to lose but everything to gain.”

Vytenis Adomaitis, a student nurse at the University of Liverpool, went into nursing after seeing the care his late sister, a nurse herself, received.

Vytenis said: “At the age of 16 when this tragic event occurred, I saw how nurses were the driving force of my sister’s care. They went above and beyond to ensure that her care plan was appropriate, and she was involved as a partner, not as the subject. This is what I want to achieve as a nurse.

He added: “I would recommend nursing as you will make an impact, even if you think it is a small one. From greeting someone on the ward, who may be nervous and anxious, with a cup of tea and a chat to assisting in end-of-life care, patients and their families will always remember your face as the caring individual that did that extra little thing. This is the holistic approach nurses take.”

Mel Rees, a third year Mental Health Nursing Student at the University of Chester, said she always loved caring for others but only seriously considered nursing as a career during Covid.

She said: “Science wasn’t a strong subject for me in school and so I was encouraged by teachers to explore other interests. I became a pastry chef straight from A-Levels and worked in this role up until Covid where I was furloughed and then made redundant. I managed to get my first job in care after this and I haven’t looked back.

“I’ve worked in a few different health and social care areas since and felt passion for all of them, so I took the leap and applied for a mental health nursing degree. I have thoroughly enjoyed my degree and have been able to find many areas of interest that I want to work in once I qualify later this year. I think that one thing that has greatly benefitted me through my nurse training is that I went into it with a few years of working in various care roles, so that I wasn’t going into placements completely inexperienced.

“I would absolutely recommend nursing to those thinking of applying. It’s a hard job, but it is very rewarding work.”

For Lauren Caulfield, student midwife at the University of Manchester, a career in midwifery empowers her to make positive changes. She said: “I chose midwifery because I wanted to make positive changes to outcomes for women and babies. Midwifery provides the chance to support women during one of the most vulnerable and transformative times of their lives. Pregnancy and childbirth can be scary but as a midwife, you have the privilege of supporting, comforting and reassuring women and their families. Being able to contribute to such a significant experience for families is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.”

The UCAS application deadline is 29 January 2025. Entry requirements for nursing and midwifery degree courses will vary, but students are advised they will likely need at least two A Levels or equivalent. Contact a university directly to find out what specific qualifications are needed.

If you think the NHS could be the career for you, search ‘NHS careers’ to find out more about the range of roles within the NHS and how to apply.