Kent labour market information
Healthcare
Are you looking for a job which makes a real difference in the lives of people in Kent and Medway? The healthcare sector has a highly-valued workforce who diagnose, treat and care for patients and their families, both during routine appointments and in times of difficulty.
While careers in nursing and medicine often take centre stage, you can make an equally important contribution by making sure services run smoothly and efficiently. This could be in a support role in an area such as information technology, administration, catering, or facilities management.
20 jobs and careers in healthcare
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radiographer biological scientist bioinformatician
mental health nurse blood donor carer GP (doctor
speech and language therapist geneticist dental nurse
simulation technician midwife psychiatrist
pharmacy assistant paramedic healthcare assistant
IT network manager estates technician public health practitioner
GP practice manager music therapist physiotherapist
Now and the future
Healthcare is one of the largest employment sectors in the UK and job numbers are expected to increase faster than any other due to a growing and ageing population and changing lifestyles.
However, like the rest of the world, the UK is struggling to recruit people with the right skills to work in public health services. By 2035, we’ll need over 1 million health professionals (such as doctors, nurses, midwives and physiotherapists) and over 1.2 million health and social care associate professionals, including community health workers and medical technicians (source).
Apprenticeship programmes are creating more opportunities for career progression within the NHS. Individuals who begin their careers in positions such as healthcare assistant may be able to take advantage of this ‘on-the-job’ training and move into more specialised and higher-skilled roles with experience.
Technology is having a huge impact on treatment and diagnosis - from digital health monitoring and wearable technologies to AI analysis and remote surgery. The health sector needs people in roles such as technical support, data analysis and cyber security.
Spotlight on Kent and Medway
Almost 70,000 people work in healthcare in Kent and Medway (source) - that’s almost one in 10 people based in NHS hospitals, GP and dental surgeries, community settings and in private health.
Like other places in the UK, Kent and Medway faces the challenge of an ageing population as well as increasing numbers of people with long-term health conditions. This means we can expect a rise in demand for healthcare services in the area with lots of diverse opportunities.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to find links to some great local employers.
More information
- has excellent communication skills
- is calm under pressure
- is compassionate
- works well in a team
- pays attention to detail
- has basic digital skills
- enjoys working with people
- is patient
- has strong analytical thinking skills.
Useful subjects
These subjects and qualifications could help you get into this sector:
biology | chemistry | maths | English | PE | psychology | physics | healthcare science | applied science | sociology | health and social care | British Sign Language
What about apprenticeships?
There’s a wide range of apprenticeships at all levels including degree apprenticeships. You could apply for an apprenticeship at 16 and progress your career or keep studying and move into a higher or degree apprenticeship from age 18.
For vacancies in Kent and Medway and further information:
- Find an Apprenticeship
- Amazing Apprenticeships
- Kent and Medway Health and Care Academy
- NHS Apprenticeships
- Explore the Skills England apprenticeship maps for this sector
Your choices @
14-16
You’ll gain useful skills in chemistry, biology, maths, English and PE; computer science, arts subjects, and design and technology may also be useful for some careers.
Post 16
Five or more GCSEs at grade 4+ including English and maths | Working towards grade 4 GCSE English or maths |
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Post 18
- Degree.
- Other higher education qualification.
- Higher or degree apprenticeship.
- Employment with or without further training.
An approved degree-level qualification, including a higher or degree apprenticeship, is required for clinical roles, and some associate professional careers in healthcare. Graduate-entry courses exist for those who don’t have an approved first degree including for clinical scientist roles in the NHS and applicants must follow the three-year work-based NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP).
Gain skills and knowledge by building up experience. This could include volunteering, work shadowing, a work experience placement or traineeship, or paid employment. Experience in a relevant area could be helpful when applying for jobs or training.
Want to know more?
Health Careers (NHS)
Kent and Medway Health and Care Academy
Royal Society of Biology
A Future in Chemistry
Institute of Biomedical Science
