BNU wows thousands of young people at Bucks Skills Show
Buckinghamshire New University wowed thousands of young people at this year’s Bucks Skills Show, showcasing educational and employment opportunities across nursing, animation and many other industries in the county.
BNU had three stands at last week’s two-day event, with our School of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health winning ‘runner-up best table’ out of 120 tables from other local organisations. The School put on various activities for students to engage with, including: a birthing mother demonstration; learning laparoscopic skills; a children’s airway demonstration; and a close-up look at how different joints work.
Anne Followell, Senior Lecturer in the School, was delighted with the occasion and award. “It was great to finally get out after recent restrictions and have the opportunity to meet so many young people at the Bucks Skills Show, spreading the word about our range of BNU healthcare courses.
“My first-year Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) students were up for the challenge and we spent an incredibly busy two days together, sharing our insight and experiences about working within the operating theatres. We put together an intriguing array of interactive kit and the school children loved getting hands on with operating instruments, airway equipment, and even prosthesis from hip and knee surgery.”
“I was most proud of our students who talked with such enthusiasm and passion, keeping the youngsters completely engaged. These events are incredibly important, without question, I will be returning, with the intention of winning that trophy and spreading the word about BNU!”
Our School of Creative and Digital Industries and Home Recruitment & Outreach team also had engaging stands. The School showcased its Xsens suits that students on animation and visual effects courses use as part of their studies. Russel Stone, Associate Professor Head of School for Creative and Digital Industries, said: “Our stand generated much excitement from attendees and my team were keen to show how the technology is regularly used in films and computer games.
“We were also able to discuss with attendees about how these skills lead to well paid jobs in areas of industry that are currently booming. My team was impressed by the level of knowledge some of the attendees had about animation and VFX tools and software.”
Meanwhile, our Home Recruitment & Outreach team spoke with students about the subjects they liked, which courses they could relate to, and what the University was like.
Reflecting on the event, Sophia James, Head of BNU’s Home Recruitment & Outreach, said: “It was fantastic to be at such a well organised, large scale event, and it was key for BNU to have a large presence there."
Looking ahead, Phi added: “A lot of Year 9 to Year 11 students were feeling the pressure of the last two years and not sure what to do after their GCSEs. The guidance provided by us and other BNU teams is absolutely vital in helping them to realise they are capable of HE and that there’s a range of support for them at BNU.”
Our valued partner Bucks Healthcare Trust, who many of our nursing, midwifery and allied health students do their clinical placements with and who we work together with on nursing associate apprenticeships, scooped the best table prize after exciting students with the VR interactive games, laparoscopic skills activity, human anatomy tools, an airways skillset, and a group of energised professionals keen to speak on all roles within the Trust.
