Health care professionals came together to give teenagers an insight into their work and career opportunities on offer.

Harwich and Dovercourt High School hosted a science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) careers event.

The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) was just one of a number of organisations that took part.

Staff spoke to students about their jobs, offering advice on how to enter their professions and showing examples of activities they carry out with patients.

They demonstrated equipment such as a GERT suit - an age simulation suit used to help staff understand the physical effects of ageing, including advanced dementia.

The event was organised by Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board.

(Image: NHS) Matt Cope, an HR business partner at EPUT, said: "It’s great to be able to attend these events and liaise with students who are looking at taking the next step in their lives.

"A lot of the young people expressed they would like to go to university but doubted they would be able to afford it.

"We were able to show them some of the many options available to them, such as the apprenticeship opportunities we offer that give people the chance to earn money and gain qualifications at the same time.

"It was great to see their enthusiasm and interest in a wide range of NHS roles including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, IT and digital technology, psychology, community nursing, HR and many more."

(Image: NHS)

Sonya Doe, clinical manager and matron at the North East Dementia Service, who attended the event, said she was inspired to join the NHS after being given the opportunity to volunteer in the local community every Friday afternoon during her last year at secondary school.

She said: "I have not looked back since.

"My employment continues to this day, 33 years later.

"Having the opportunity to complete voluntary work in the NHS whilst at school was the inspiration that moulded my career."

EPUT will also be attending another STEAM event run by Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board next month, at the Princes Theatre in Clacton on October 23.