The Workforce Strategy action plan – Cymru-Wales was launched in the Senedd in June this year and was shared with stakeholders throughout Wales over the summer.
We've set up a Workforce Advisory Board to oversee the delivery of the action plan who first met in October.
The Workforce Advisory Board provides guidance and acts as a critical friend to us, so we are able meet the objectives of the plan. The group consists of OTs from all aspects of practice, but we would like to increase the representation from mental health and social care. If you are interested on sitting on the board please contact me – Dai Davies – at david.davies@rcot.co.uk.
I'm delighted to share the below stories from Sophie O'Keefe and Marta Drozdowska. They've taken the first step in raising the profile of occupational therapy to give an insight into their experiences as OT students in Wales.
Sophie’s story
The cultural and social aspects of living in Wales, including its distinctive heritage and natural beauty, make it an ideal place for me to study and grow personally and professionally.
Being an occupational therapy student in Wales offers a unique and enriching experience, combining academic excellence with practical learning.
I never believed university was for me because I have dyslexia, and my parents didn't attend either. Still, I had to go because I wanted to be an OT, and I'm happy I did.
I wanted to study in Wales because it is my home, and I don't plan on leaving. The cultural and social aspects of living in Wales, including its distinctive heritage and natural beauty, make it an ideal place for me to study and grow personally and professionally. It helped that courses in Wales are highly ranked for student experience and teaching quality.
The highlights of my university experience have been the placements
The highlights of my university experience have been the placements. These practical experiences have deepened my understanding of occupational therapy and allowed me to see other parts of Wales.
The valley has a great sense of community and friendliness, not only with the people living there but also with the various professionals in the healthcare workforce I have met. I have also learned about local healthcare challenges and developed a deeper appreciation for community OTs and their work.
I'm thrilled that this year's OT Week will focus on creating a deeper comprehension of the OT role within health and social care.
For this reason, I'm thrilled that this year's OT Week will focus on creating a deeper comprehension of the OT role within health and social care and how the workforce must be positioned to maximise its ability to improve people's health and quality of life, which I can learn from.
Support comes in many forms
My friendships with people I have met in university have been invaluable, providing emotional support and collaborative learning opportunities. Peers, placement educators and lecturers have all been consistently friendly and helpful and being an RCOT member has provided me with even more resources. All this proves that anyone can succeed in higher education with the proper support.
Marta’s story
Wales is a beautiful and culturally diverse place that has something for everyone, including beaches, mountains, forests, castles and sports events.
I decided to move to study from Manchester to Cardiff for Wales's natural beauty, but will stay here for its people.
Being an occupational therapist offers a unique opportunity to make a profound impact on individuals' lives.
What attracted me to this profession was the rewarding nature of witnessing clients progress and reclaim their independence.
Becoming an occupational therapist in Wales is eye-opening, fun and thought-provoking, although challenging.
Living and working in Cardiff allows me to learn more about the Welsh language, history, culture, its triumphs and challenges. Wales is a beautiful and culturally diverse place that has something for everyone, including beaches, mountains, forests, castles and sports events.
Allowing my curiosity to flourish
Completing my first degree in my thirties is a transformative experience that fosters my personal growth and intellectual development. I get to explore diverse subjects, such as occupational injustice or deprivation, and discover passions that will shape my future career.
University provides me with a structured environment where my curiosity can flourish, allowing me to engage with new ideas and perspectives.
On the course, I enjoyed placements in different settings. From the community and meeting patients in their homes, through to helping patients return home from hospitals, to a placement with RCOT where I looked at policy and public affairs – making improvements for patients, students and practitioners.
Placements allowed me to become a part of the Welsh healthcare workforce where people are friendly, hardworking and innovative.
Placements also allowed me to become a part of the Welsh healthcare workforce where people are friendly, hardworking and innovative. Occupational therapy offers a dynamic and impactful career path for those passionate about helping people thrive and I can’t wait to see where it will take me!