23/07/2026
South Devon UTC Students Explore Future Careers During Inspiring Careers and Wellbeing Week
Students at South Devon UTC have explored a wide range of career opportunities during a packed ‘Careers and Wellbeing Week’.
The programme combined hands-on experiences, employer encounters and educational visits, giving students the opportunity to discover future career pathways while developing a greater understanding of their own wellbeing.
Health and social care students took part in an extensive programme of activities, meeting professionals from across the NHS and experiencing first-hand the breadth of careers available within the healthcare sector.
The week began with visits from the NHS podiatry team, including one of their apprentices, who introduced students to careers within podiatry and demonstrated specialist equipment such as sonograms, insoles and mobility aids.
Students also met a speech and language therapist, who explained how professionals support people living with conditions including stroke and Parkinson's disease. Through practical communication exercises, students gained an appreciation of the challenges faced by people with speech and language difficulties.
Students then welcomed audiologists and orthoptists, who showcased careers in hearing and eye health through interactive demonstrations. Using specialist equipment, students explored the ear canal with otoscopes and experienced simulations of different visual impairments to better understand the challenges faced by patients.
Radiographer Stacey Woodruff introduced students to careers in diagnostic imaging and encouraged them to explore the NHS's 350 different career pathways through an interactive careers quiz.
The learning continued beyond the classroom with a visit to Exeter Hospice, where students gained valuable insight into compassionate careers in nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling, volunteer coordination and palliative care. Speaking with healthcare professionals helped students understand the importance of person-centred care, emotional resilience and teamwork when supporting patients and families through complex health journeys.
Students also visited the Horizon Centre, where they explored the role of speech and language therapy and experienced how emerging technologies, including virtual reality, are transforming patient care, rehabilitation and staff training across the NHS.
Meanwhile, year 10 students visited Paignton Zoo as part of the school's wellbeing programme. Alongside enjoying the natural environment, students learned about the zoo's conservation work and heard directly from zookeepers about careers in animal care, conservation and opportunities for future work experience.
This year 18 engineering students at the UTC will be awarded a Level1 BAKER AWARD and 100% of year 10 students had work experience in either heath or engineering.
Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:
"Careers and Wellbeing Week is an important opportunity for our students to explore the many pathways available to them while recognising the importance of looking after their own wellbeing. From meeting healthcare professionals and experiencing cutting-edge NHS technology to learning about conservation and animal care, our students have gained invaluable insights into careers they may never have previously considered. We are incredibly grateful to all the organisations and professionals who gave their time to inspire our young people."
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
"One of the greatest gifts we can give young people is the opportunity to experience the world beyond the classroom. By working alongside employers and professionals, students gain a deeper understanding of the skills, values and qualities needed to succeed in different careers. These experiences not only raise aspirations but also help students make informed decisions about their futures, while reinforcing the importance of wellbeing as they prepare for the next stage of their education and careers."
