RJAH Orthotics Technician inspires young people on BBC Bitesize Careers Tour

An Orthotics Technician from The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (RJAH) has helped inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals after taking part in the BBC Bitesize Careers Tour.

Teri Jones, who works within the hospital's Orthotics department, joined a panel of professionals at The Blue Coat School in Liverpool to speak to students about her career journey and the varied opportunities available within the NHS.

The BBC Bitesize Careers Tour visits schools across the UK, connecting students with professionals from a range of industries to help them explore future career pathways and gain insight into different roles and professions. The sessions are led by BBC presenters and include interactive discussions and question and answer sessions.

Teri attended the event through her involvement with the British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BAPO), the professional body representing the prosthetic and orthotic workforce across the UK. She volunteered to take part and was supported by RJAH to attend.

Speaking about the experience, Teri said: "It was really lovely to get out of the workshop and head over to The Blue Coat School in Liverpool for the BBC Bitesize Careers Tour.

"I enjoyed talking to the students about my role as an orthotics technician in the NHS and sharing a bit about how I ended up in a career I probably wouldn't have imagined when I was their age.

"It was great hearing the questions from each year group, from Year 7 through to Year 10, and meeting the other panellists, presenters, producers and the rest of the BBC team.

"Thanks to everyone at The Blue Coat School and the BBC Bitesize team for having me."

Teri has worked at RJAH for 10 years after starting her career as an apprentice in Engineering and Manufacturing. In her current role, she helps manufacture and adapt a range of orthotic devices that support patients' mobility, comfort and independence.

As well as her work at RJAH, Teri is a member of BAPO's Technician and Support Worker Committee, helping to represent technical and support staff within the profession.

Steve Bishton, Orthotics Technical Lead, said: "We are incredibly proud of Teri for representing both RJAH and the orthotics profession on such a high-profile stage.

"Events like the BBC Bitesize Careers Tour play an important role in helping young people understand the wide range of careers available within healthcare. Teri was able to share her own experiences and show that there are many different routes into rewarding NHS careers.

"We're delighted to have supported her involvement and hope her story will inspire students to consider careers they may never have previously heard of."