FIVE gifted young people gave a presentation to senior executives from South Essex Partnership Trust and Thurrock Council last Friday (26 August) following an intensive health work experience placement.
The presentation took place at Thurrock Community Hospital in Grays.
Thurrock Council’s Learning and Skills team, at Thurrock Council, funded its first Top Achiever’s Programme in response to young people’s feedback that there are many opportunities for NEET (Not in Education Employment or Training) but little for those who are achieving well.
In partnership with Russell Group Universities, a group of 13 gifted and talented students have been working hard on their course work as well as experiencing the world of work so they submit compelling university applications.
Eight of the 13 are aspiring medical students and SEPT put them through their paces during the summer in an intensive work placement.
During the presentation, the audience heard from each of the five young presenters as they explained their new knowledge of NHS procurement, employment and skills training as well as explaining how this week had helped them decide which part of the NHS they would pursue as a career.
Portfolio Holder for Social Care, Cllr Sue Little was there on the day, she said: “I am in awe of these young people.
“These young people have come from a diverse range of backgrounds – one is in foster care – but what they do have in common is that they have all come through Thurrock schools.
“The drive, ambition and compassion these young people are demonstrating by aspiring to work for our NHS is something they should be very proud of.”
She added: “I would love to see this programme run again– my thanks to the teams that helped arrange it and to our partners at SEPT and the Russell Group.”
Craig Elliot, Talent for Care Coordinator and Trainer from SEPT said: “Every student during the week meet the challenges set for them with real drive and enthusiasm, and SEPT believe that supporting young people’s career aspirations is a vital ingredient in securing a well-trained and educated workface of the future.”
