Midrand schoolgirls are given a glimpse into the world of emergency medical care
Emergency medical service provider are looking to inspire future healthcare professionals
Many young girls dream of a career in healthcare – whether they want to become a doctor, wish to add value to patient care by becoming a nurse or are inspired by the fast-paced career of a paramedic.
On Thursday last week, 10 girls from Noordwyk High School in Midrand were given the opportunity to get a glimpse of that dream, when Netcare 911 participated in the 16th Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work campaign.
The day started with the learners being collected from school in emergency response vehicles. At Netcare 911 headquarters in Midrand they were welcomed by Shalen Ramduth, Netcare 911’s director: business development and support services before being given an overview of the operations of the company.
In welcoming the learners, Ramduth said that the company was doing everything it could to empower young South Africans. “At Netcare 911, we offer a range of career choices and opportunities. The field of emergency medical care and healthcare is immensely rewarding and it is relatively easy to find employment as all categories of healthcare skills are highly sought-after.”
“During the course of the day, the learners participated in a comprehensive programme, which included various activities aimed at exposing them to the opportunities available within Netcare 911,” said Ramduth.
Representatives from several divisions within the company were on hand to provide a brief description about their individual roles and the different job opportunities available within Netcare 911 and the broader Netcare Group. The learners were exposed to different areas of the business such as the emergency operations centre, the Faculty of Emergency Critical Care, finance, human resources, marketing, road operations and fixed wing.
The learners were also afforded the opportunity to have a closer look at a Netcare 911 ambulance with its highly specialised equipment. The girls found the sessions informative and educational and enjoyed being made to feel part of the company for a day. Each participant was awarded a participation certificate and a gift pack as a token of appreciation from Netcare 911 for being part of the programme.
“At Netcare 911, we firmly believe that women are vibrant and dynamic contributors to the economy. We place a high value on the empowerment of women and gender equality in the workplace and we have firm policies in place to develop the skills of women and increase their representation in Netcare 911 so that they can take their rightful place at the forefront of the South African economy,” noted Ramduth.
“We are looking for learners who show a keen interest in a career in healthcare,” he said. “There is a great shortage of healthcare professionals in South Africa and it is therefore important for us to show any interested young minds just how exciting a career in healthcare can be.”
On Thursday last week, 10 girls from Noordwyk High School in Midrand were given the opportunity to get a glimpse of life as a paramedic, when Netcare 911 participated in the 16th Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work campaign. During the course of the day, the learners participated in a comprehensive programme, which included various activities aimed at exposing them to the opportunities available within Netcare 911,” said Ramduth. Some practical, hands-on learning completed a day well spent at Netcare 911.
“To consider a career in healthcare one should have a passion for people, a willingness to conquer daily challenges and the ability to show compassion to those in need. In order for one to pursue one’s dreams, one has to have love for what one is doing,” concluded Ramduth.
Ends
Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare 911
Contact: Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville or Estene Lotriet-Voster
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]