With students now looking to apply for places at university through clearing, the SoR has shared its resources to help prospective radiographers secure their future.
Members can support students to find their way to radiography as well – the Society is asking radiographers in roles already to share stories about their experience with the profession on social media.
Interested parties can also share College of Radiographers-approved education providers with interested students to help them find their path, or information on the SoR’s bursaries and funding opportunities to help support students find the help available to them.
'A key time of year'
A spokesperson for the SoR said: “Let’s fill all university spaces with the potential radiographers for the future. We need to help young adults and potential career changers understand what we do as radiographers or radiography support workers. This is a key time of year where we can help young people join our profession.
The SoR advised members to look at the SoR’s careers booklet for key phrases to describe the roles here.
The list of CoR-approved education providers and programmes can be found here.
More information on available bursaries can be found here.
Expanding your options
Michelle Tyler, professional officer for careers promotion and outreach, said: “I was a student who opted for radiography via clearing so I know only too well how vital it can be to help someone understand the job roles quickly and easily. At the time I relied on a phone call with a careers advisor from a Radio 1 show and a quick chat on the phone with a teacher from my school who happened to have a sister who was a radiographer.
“Without it I would have had little access to more information. It was these conversations that led me to applying and accepting a clearing space. These days the opposite can impact young people or potential mature students in that they can be inundated with information about the hundreds of jobs and courses available.
“Therefore, a quick impactful and real life insight from you may be just what they need for them to inspire them to apply for a clearing space. I know members already do fantastic work to raise awareness of our work so anything additional you can do at this time of year could really make a difference.”
Tom Welton, SoR president, said that clearing gave him the options he needed to pursue his radiography career.
"For some, a clear path is easy - or at least seemingly easy - but for many, like me, this may not be the case," he explained. "To amplify this uncertain time, the stress of achieving the correct grades can be tough and plan A may not be achievable."
"If it wasn’t for clearing, I don’t know where I would be now. If you are sitting at home not knowing where to turn next, go and explore options. Radiography courses up and down the country are looking for the right fit student and you may be it."