HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE STUDENTS GAIN REAL-WORLD NHS INSIGHT

Health & Social Care students from Shipley College have been gaining hands-on experience and insight into the NHS as part of a placement opportunity with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust.

The students, who are studying Level 2 Health & Social Care at Shipley College, took part in activities led by the Trust’s Young Dynamos youth opinion and advisory group, learning more about mental health, research methods and patient involvement.

During the placement, students heard from senior healthcare professionals including the Trust’s Head of Mental Health Nursing and also explored how research is used within health and social care settings.

One activity involved students carrying out thematic analysis linked to research around self-harm and mental health, helping them understand how information is grouped and interpreted within healthcare studies.

Emma Holmes, Involvement Officer at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“The students have really engaged with the activities today. They’ve been learning about research, mental health and patient involvement, and it’s been impressive to see them getting to grips with concepts they hadn’t encountered before.”

Shipley College student Madison Pearson, who studies Level 2 Health & Social Care, said the experience had helped develop her confidence and employability skills.

“I’ve learned quite a lot since joining Shipley College,” she said.

“This placement has helped me improve my communication and teamwork skills, which I can take into my future career.”

The placement forms part of Shipley College’s wider commitment to providing students with meaningful employer engagement and real-world industry experience alongside their studies.