West Lothian College hosted a visit from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray MSP, as part of the ongoing Scottish Careers Week. This event, which highlights career opportunities across Scotland, took place at the college’s Livingston campus and focused on the institution’s initiatives to enhance skills and innovation among students enrolled in its SWAP Access to Nursing and HNC Healthcare Practice courses.
Scottish Careers Week aims to promote various industries and career pathways, providing support for individuals to achieve their professional goals. It also emphasizes emerging sectors and evolving job roles, celebrating inspiring stories of individuals pursuing their ambitions.
During his visit, Mr. Gray engaged with students who demonstrated a variety of industry-relevant skills. These included delivering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) tools for learning, and recording simulation data in a ward environment. The students also shared insights from their work placements, showcasing the practical applications of their training.
Hazel Brady, Principal of West Lothian College, expressed her pride in the students’ accomplishments. She stated, “The visit was an incredible opportunity to showcase the talent, dedication, and confidence of our students. They demonstrated not only the skills they have mastered through their learning but also the passion that drives them toward careers in healthcare.”
Brady further noted that the students spoke with enthusiasm about their desire to make a difference in people’s lives and contribute positively to their communities. “Their enthusiasm and professionalism were evident throughout the visit, and we are proud to see them representing the future of healthcare,” she added.
The visit reaffirmed the significance of investing in education and training for the next generation of healthcare professionals. Brady concluded by thanking Mr. Gray for his engagement with the students and for acknowledging the essential role they will play in shaping the future of health and social care.
Scottish Careers Week continues to serve as a vital platform for promoting awareness of career opportunities and supporting the workforce of tomorrow.
