The NHS has urged young people to take the best decision they’ll ever make and begin a career in the NHS.

Today NHS England launches the health service’s annual recruitment drive, encouraging anyone looking for a career change to consider joining one of hundreds of rewarding careers on offer.

The We are the NHS campaign will shine a light on careers within healthcare and showcase the range of job opportunities available, from nursing to radiography to podiatry.

Last year’s campaign, alongside increased investment for degrees and placements and the extraordinary work of NHS staff throughout the pandemic, prompted a surge in applicants to healthcare degrees, with the number of undergraduate nurses increasing for the fourth year in a row.

There are now more than 1.3 million people working for the NHS, an increase of almost 30,000 since June 2020.

The Covid-19 pandemic has shown more than ever that the future of England’s health and social care system relies on its people.

It has been one of busiest summers for the NHS, with staff delivering millions more tests and treatments while caring for thousands more patients in hospital with Covid.

This would not have been possible without the collective efforts of NHS staff right across the health service.

Sue Doheny, Director of Nursing at NHS England and NHS Improvement South West said:
“Working for the NHS lets you live a thousand lives through the patients and families you care for, and with around 350 different roles to choose from, there is something for everyone.

“Joining the NHS was the best decision I ever made, and I’d encourage anyone, whether you’re a school leaver, recent graduate or simply looking for a new challenge to consider joining – no matter what your experience or qualifications – a fulfilling, rewarding and exciting career awaits.”

On a typical day, over 835,000 people visit their GP practice or practice nurse, while around 50,000 attend A&E departments and 36,000 are in hospital for planned care.

Since launching the campaign in 2018, the average number of undergraduates starting a nursing degree each year has risen by around 8,000.

Nursing graduates are amongst the most employable, with 94% in work within six months of completing their degree, and there are opportunities to specialise in a range of disciplines, including mental health, community care and paediatrics.

Last year’s We are the NHS campaign saw a 35% increase in nursing applications, a significant increase on the previous year.

Annual payments of at least £5,000 are available to student nurses and those studying degrees related to allied health professions, such as speech and language therapy or occupational therapy.

For more information and to find out more about the range of nursing, allied health professionals, and healthcare support worker roles available within the NHS, search NHS careers.