More than 1,000 young people in East London will get the chance to explore NHS careers through the next phase of Healthcare Horizons, delivered by Barts Health NHS Trust.

Healthcare Horizons is a programme that helps young people build the skills, confidence and real-world experience to kick-start a career in healthcare.  

Two phases have already been completed and the third phase aims to partner with 37 local schools and colleges; engage over 1,000 people from across East London; deliver over 150 work experience placements; and support at least 100 young people through pre-employment training. It will also work to increase participation from young people from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds.

Since its launch in 2019, Healthcare Horizons has already engaged more than 4,600 young people through career events and mentoring, helping over 600 progress into health-related degrees and supporting 330 people secure NHS jobs.

Rahat, from Tower Hamlets, secured a job as a trainee assistant technician officer in a pharmacy after a placement at The Royal London Hospital.

He said: "Before Healthcare Horizons, finding a job genuinely seemed impossible. I was looking for a job for about three years, and it made me feel helpless and frustrated because I couldn’t do anything.  

“Healthcare Horizons helped me understand the importance of the patient and how their needs must always come first. It taught me empathy and how to be there if a patient needs it. The team also set me up with a placement at The Royal London Hospital, which helped me get the job I have now and I am very grateful for it.”