Calling all student and newly qualified allied health students in Wales. Are you facing difficulties finding employment post qualification? Typically finding work in the NHS for graduates has been simple. Some universities for Allied health roles claim 100% employment for their graduates.
Multiple sources have reported numerous students now struggling to find work. This is at a time when the NHS is in crisis and is facing a workforce crisis.
This situation is especially concerning in Wales because of the NHS bursary. Students in Wales can have their tuition fees covered in full and receive a maintenance bursary. This is provided by HEIW/Welsh government funded by tax payer money. In order to qualify for this bursary students have to commit to working in the Welsh NHS for 18 months - 2 years depending on the length of the course. This seems like a good deal for all parties. Students leave university with no debt, Welsh government can see a return on their investment and patients (the tax payers funding this) benefitting from more staff. Universities are increasing place numbers for these courses. However the past few years of graduates are facing unemployment or having to find work in a role different to what they were trained to do. This seems so short sighted. To increase places but not ensure there were enough newly qualified jobs available.
I think we need to compel Welsh government to spend public funds more responsibly and resolve this issue. By ensuring student numbers match the numbers of jobs available. More importantly Welsh government need to provide funding specifically for these students who they have funded. If the students don't find work 3 months after graduation, they have no responsibility to pay back these bursaries and can look for work elsewhere. The Welsh government have responsibility to fund jobs for these students that are impacted.
In order to understand the scale of the problem I would greatly appreciate people filling in this survey.
I will also be contacting HEIW, universities and NHS trusts directly to attempt to gather information under FOI. But think it's important that students and graduates voice are heard. Please share to affected Welsh students.