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Is a job in health for you?

More than two million people work in the UK health industry. It's not just about doctors and nurses. You could be part of a team that helps patients get the treatment and care they need. Whatever your skills and interests, you can find a role that's right for you. Working in health could be for you.

Here are some positive comments from real people currently working within the health sector:

Khalid Mahmoud, Emergency Care Assistant

"I drive ambulances and work with paramedics. They treat me as a vital team member, getting their patients quickly and safely to hospital."

Jean Lennard, Play Assistant

"My job as a play assistant in a children's hospice is brilliant. I can help make a real difference to poorly kids and their families."

Health jobs: the facts

People often have fixed ideas about different jobs, but it's always important to get the facts. Here are some common misconceptions answered by the real facts:

• "Health jobs are nearly all for women" - this simply isn't true, there are many different opportunities for men and women alike
• "You need a degree to work in health" - only some health jobs are just for graduates, if you are willing to work and train hard you can build an excellent career in health
• "It's no good getting a health job if you don't like hospitals" - not true, you might work in a call centre, a lab or a workshop, or perhaps you'll be out on the road visiting patients in the community; there's a lot more to the health sector than hospitals

Advantages of working in the health industry

There are many advantages to working in health including:

• excellent opportunities - there are many different opportunities for both men and women
• varied working conditions - not all jobs are hospital based
• good career prospects - if you want to keep learning and train hard you can build an excellent career in health

Real-life examples

Sam Downes, Personal Assistant

"I'm the personal assistant to the director of the local NHS Trust. I started out as a medical receptionist. Since then I’ve done an NVQ and worked my way up to this job. I need to be very good at planning and writing. There's a lot of responsibility, but I love it. I earn just under £26,000."

Jomo Bailey, Sterile Services Technician

"I make sure that the equipment used on wards and in operating theatres is clean and germ-free. It's hard work but I love it. I earn a good wage (about £14,000 to start with). I enjoy meeting patients and staff when I deliver clean supplies to the wards. There's always someone new to talk to."

Careers advice and job profiles

You can find more information about specific job roles within the health sector by using the careers advice and job profiles link below.

• Careers advice and job profiles Opens new window

Find a job in this sector

Find out more about training and careers in the health sector by visiting the websites below:

• Skills for Health Opens new window

• NHS Jobs Opens new window

• The Recruitment and Employment Confederation Opens new window

More help and support

To search for jobs available in this sector, use the 'Start a jobs and skills search' link below. You can also talk to a Jobcentre Plus adviser by calling 0845 606 0234.

They can tell you what help and support is available to you to help you into work.

• Start a jobs and skills search Opens new window

• Find your local Jobcentre Plus office Opens new window

• Help and advice when applying for a job