A careers showcase dedicated to the health and social care sector took place at Coleg Cambria’s specialist facility in Wrexham, drawing nearly 190 attendees from schools and colleges across North Wales.
The Healthcare Heroes 2026 event took place at the institution’s purpose-built Nant building, which cost £14 million to construct and features realistic hospital environments and dedicated training spaces.
Participating pupils and students engaged with rotating workshops, interactive demonstrations and guidance sessions throughout the day.
Eight regional employers and four speakers addressed the audience, which comprised approximately 80 current Coleg Cambria learners alongside more than 100 secondary school pupils from across the north of Wales.
Among the industry bodies present were Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Pendine Park, Llewelyn Healthcare Group, Mental Health Care UK, PSS Shared Lives Wales and WeCare Wales.
Each organisation contributed to the programme by delivering practical activities and offering insights into career pathways within the healthcare field.
The occasion also featured representation from the North Wales Tertiary Alliance, a collaborative venture uniting Coleg Cambria with Wrexham University, Bangor University and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.
The partnership aims to enhance coordination between further and higher education institutions, establish more defined progression routes for students and tackle employment gaps within the regional workforce.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr Steven Peacock, Coleg Cambria’s Vice Principal for STEM and Academic Studies, explained that the showcase aimed to broaden young people’s understanding of the sector and encourage them to explore options they may not previously have considered.
He noted that the range of available roles is extensive, and that direct engagement with professionals combined with practical participation can significantly influence students’ career decisions.
He expressed appreciation to Medr, fellow NWTA members, guest speakers and the employers whose contributions enabled the college to bridge academic learning with the skills demanded by health and social care providers.
The Nant building has been designed to provide training conditions that mirror professional healthcare settings.
Earlier in 2024, Coleg Cambria formalised a renewed partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board aimed at expanding educational programmes, professional development and job prospects throughout the area.
Medr has additionally backed the Advanced Skills Hub, a separate regional project involving both Coleg Cambria and Wrexham University that seeks to improve connections between educational institutions and industry.