Nearly one in five young Scots ‘want jobs in health and medicine’

Nearly one in five Scots aged 16 to 18 want jobs in the medicine and health sector when they finish their studies, new research has shown.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has published its ‘Pupil Voice’ research to support the launch of Scottish Careers Week.

SDS surveyed almost 11,000 S4 to S6 pupils – one of the biggest studies of its kind in Scotland.

Nurse, mental health worker, paramedic, midwife and physiotherapist were among the healthcare-related job roles picked out by young people.

Jobs in the creative industries including photographer, musician and designer came a close second place in the research.

Roles in engineering, including mechanical and electrical, complete the top three most sought-after sectors.

Cabinet secretary for education and skills, Jenny Gilruth, and minister for higher and further education, Graeme Dey, are both set to speak to young Scots about their career aspirations on Monday as part of Scottish Careers Week. 

Running from November 11-15, Scottish Careers Week 2024 shines a light on the life changing support offered by Scotland’s career services. 

Gilruth is meeting pupils at Levenmouth Academy in Fife whilst Dey will be visiting Brechin High School.

Education secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “It’s fantastic to see from this research that young Scots are ambitious and knowledgeable about their future careers. There are lots of positive opportunities for school leavers to explore and we are investing in dedicated careers support through SDS and the Developing the Young Workforce network.

“I’m grateful to the many people, employers and organisations across Scotland who are working collectively together to support young people into the world of work.”

Higher and further education minister Graeme Dey said: “Scottish Careers Week represents an excellent opportunity to get the message out there to people of all ages about the range of exciting careers and pathways available across the Scottish economy, from AI and Net Zero to creative industries and engineering.”

Neville Prentice, SDS senior director of delivery, said: “This research provides definitive insight into the career aspirations of young Scots, and I think many industry leaders will find the information both surprising and useful.

“We also know, from working closely with employers, that there is skills demand and exciting opportunities for roles in a number of sectors like engineering, where young people can join the drive towards Net Zero.

“However, what’s important is that, regardless of where young people see their future, they are supported to develop the career management skills that will help them make informed choices not just as school leavers but throughout their working lives.”

Professor Karen Reid, chief executive of NHS Education for Scotland, said: “I welcome the findings of Skills Development Scotland’s Pupil Voice Research. It’s encouraging that young people are already thinking about specific job roles available in the health and medicine sector.

“The NHS is one of the largest employers in Scotland with over 350 careers to choose from and not all roles need a university degree. NES is increasing education, training and promoting apprenticeships for young people, supporting them to be better prepared for the world of work and to understand the career opportunities available.

“We work closely with Scottish Government, local government, health boards, Health and Social Care Partnerships, the higher education sector, regulators, and other partners to create new roles and services and develop new and exciting career pathways for future generations.”