Survey of young people's attitudes to NHS careers

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In February 2024, we released results of a survey of 5,000 16–26-year-olds, which showed there is a lot of interest in healthcare careers.

It found that 73% of young people are considering or have considered a career in healthcare. The main factor making these careers appeal to young people is the chance to improve the lives of others.

However, the survey also found that the vast majority would be put off healthcare careers because of perceptions of low pay (90%), poor work/life balance (82%), stress of the job (79%) and long working hours (75%).

Around three-quarters (72%) said they would be more likely to choose to study a healthcare course if they received extra financial support, like grants and loans, while studying.

We’ve teamed up with the Nuffield Trust to ask health leaders and the UK Government to capitalise on strong interest in healthcare careers. Universities are ready to support the NHS long term workforce plan – which will need a massive increase in the size of the NHS workforce.

Survey results in full

Use the tool to view the data. You can split results by responses from other questions or by demographic.

Emma Dodsworth from the Nuffield Trust analyses some of the data.

Explainer

How can we improve access to healthcare careers?

Many young people are motivated by a career in healthcare but are being put off. Emma Dodsworth from the Nuffield Trust explains why young people aren’t going into healthcare degrees and how the NHS, education leaders and the government can work together to deliver the NHS workforce of the future.

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