Audiologist is winning career for Stoke Damerel Community College

Health Education England (HEE) is delighted to announce that students from Stoke Damerel Community College are the South West winners of the Step into the NHS national schools' competition.

Students Joe Bishop and Josh Franklin impressed the judges with their entry to promote the role of an audiologist to their peers. The boys created a video which allowed students to better understand what an audiologist does on a day-to-day basis.

Now in its eighth year, the competition attracted numerous entries from up and down the country and more than 3,000 students got involved. The competition aims to promote the 350 plus careers available in health and students were tasked with designing an advertisement and job description for their chosen role. They could work individually or in groups of up to four.

Carol Hannaford, Principal at Stoke Damerel Community College, said: “Josh and Joe worked extremely hard on their film and we are thrilled that they have deservedly been recognised as one of the best entries in the country out of over 3,000 students.

This competition has proven to be a valuable classroom tool, engaging students with the workings of the health service and the different career options available to them. The hard work and effort invested in their project reflects their commitment and dedication.”

12-year-olds Josh and Joe added: "We looked at the role of an audiologist as we wanted to learn more about what audiologists do on a daily basis. We really enjoyed taking part in the competition and even we stayed after school to work on it. We didn’t expect to get this far in the competition so we’re really chuffed to be regional winners.” 

During the award ceremony, Stoke Damerel Community College students were treated to a visit from Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust where Elinor Willis, Senior audiologist, spoke about her role in the NHS. She added, “Young people are extremely important to the future of the NHS workforce. It is important that the NHS engages with young people now and lets them know about the wealth of career opportunities.”

Matthew Friend, Stakeholder engagement and partnerships lead for Health Education England in the South West, said: "I’d like to congratulate Joe Bishop, Josh Franklin and Stoke Damerel Community College for their fantastic entry. There are 350 different careers to choose from in health and jobs range from community matron, dietician or public health analyst to a finance manager or web developer. Initiatives such as the schools competition really help to raise awareness of this.”