Young people from across the county gathered to learn how to become the next generation of health and social care heroes.

More than 700 people attended the ‘Future Heroes’ Health and Social Care careers expo at the Fielder Centre in Hatfield on April 2.

Over 70 professionals including nurses, social workers, radiologists shared their experience and knowledge from working in the sector.

Matt Armitage, a year 10 teacher at Townsend Church of England School in St Albans, said: “It was a great event for students of all ages.

“It’s really opened their eyes to the many different career opportunities available.”

There were a range of activities, workshops which gave students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a virtual reality experience of living with dementia or autism.

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust chief executive officer Tom Cahill said: “It was really encouraging to see so many enthusiastic young people keen to develop a career in health and social care.

“We need to do everything we can to encourage the next generation to explore the wide range of opportunities available.”

Feedback has shown that a third of young people were interested in training as a nurse or midwife while 13 percent were considering medical school.

Senior midwifery lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire Radica Hardyal said: “I’m very excited to see so many young people not just women interested in pursuing a career in midwifery.

“It’s important to engage with students at this age when they’re making decisions about the subjects they will choose to study.”

David Tamarro, operational manager from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust attended Future Heroes with paramedics and emergency medical technician colleagues. David said: “All the young people have been so enthusiastic. This is an important point in young people’s lives, and it’s when we need to inspire and encourage them so they’re able to achieve their future career goals.”

The findings also showed that ten percent of young people were considering a career in social care whilst the other ten percent wanted to join the ambulance service.

To find out more about working in health or social care in Hertfordshire visitwww.futureheroes.org.uk.