HEALTH bosses in South Devon are encouraging young people to explore the wide range of careers available within the NHS through a free virtual work experience programme.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is promoting Springpod, a nationally recognised online platform aimed at anyone aged 13-years-old and over.

It allows young people to learn about NHS careers from home and at a time that suits them.

The trust says the programme could be particularly useful for students considering university or apprenticeships, as well as those who are still unsure about their future career path.

With more than 350 different roles across the NHS, Springpod gives participants the chance to discover both clinical and non-clinical careers.

The platform features career modules, quizzes, videos, staff testimonials and live webinars, providing insights from people already working in healthcare.

Since its launch, Springpod has helped more than 10,000 young people gain work experience and career insights.

Stephanie Robey, the trust’s Volunteering and Employability Manager, said work experience could be ‘transformational’ for young people, helping them build confidence and discover careers they may not previously have considered.

She said: ‘You do not need to have your future mapped out straight away, and platforms like Springpod allow you to discover your interests at your own pace’.

The trust is also offering traditional work experience placements for people aged 16-years-old and over.

Springpod is free to join and can be completed throughout the summer holidays and beyond, giving young people an opportunity to explore potential NHS careers without needing to commit to a formal placement.

The trust says the programme is designed to help young people make informed decisions about their future while highlighting the variety of rewarding careers available within the NHS.

For more information, visit - torbayandsouthdevon-nhs.springpod.com