Five gifted young people presented their health work placement to the South Essex Partnership Trust and Thurrock Council recently.

Eight aspiring medical students took on the placement this summer at Thurrock Community Hospital in Grays as part of a new Top Achiever’s programme.

Thirteen students in total took part in the programme this year, which was launched after students said there were not enough opportunities for students achieving well as well as students who were Not in Education Employment or Training.

Students at the hospital learned about NHS procurement, employment and skills training.

Portfolio Holder for Social Care, Councillor Sue Little said she was “in awe” of the young people.

She said: “These young people have come from a diverse range of backgrounds – one is in foster care – but what they do have in common is that they have all come through Thurrock schools.

“The drive, ambition and compassion these young people are demonstrating by aspiring to work for our NHS is something they should be very proud of.”

She added: “I would love to see this programme run again– my thanks to the teams that helped arrange it and to our partners at SEPT and the Russell Group.”

Craig Elliot, Talent for Care Coordinator and Trainer from SEPT said: “Every student during the week met the challenges set for them with real drive and enthusiasm, and SEPT believe that supporting young people’s career aspirations is a vital ingredient in securing a well-trained and educated workface of the future.”

The programme was funded by Thurrock Council.