Cumbrian schoolboys discover more about caring careers at university

On Tuesday 24 June, male pupils from two Cumbrian schools visited the University to learn about careers in nursing and social work.

The University saw 40 pupils from Furness Academy and St. Joseph's Catholic High School visit the Preston campus. They took part in a day of immersive learning in two professions where men remain underrepresented.

The Year 8 pupils took part in interactive workshops designed to inspire the next generation of male care professionals. The workshop aimed to challenge traditional gender stereotypes around caring roles.

As part of the day, pupils explored both theory and practice. In nursing sessions, they got hands-on with CPR manikins and triage training and used immersive technology that simulated real-life clinical scenarios. In a social work session, they learned about the role and also how it connects to the justice system. They got to visit the University’s mock courtroom used to train social work students for court appearances.

Charlie, a pupil from St. Joseph's Catholic High School who took part in the visit said: "I really enjoyed doing the sessions that boys wouldn't normally do, like nursing. It was a really interesting day and made me feel like I have more options after I finish school.”

The event was delivered by the university in partnership with Hello Future, as part of their Breaking the Mould initiative. It also formed part of the University’s Men Do Care campaign. This campaign aims to encourage more men to consider careers in health and social care. In doing so, it aims to benefit service users, future workforce diversity, and to support public sector recruitment.

Hello Future supports over 25,000 young people in Cumbria each year to explore higher education and skills pathways.

The Breaking the Mould project – now in its second year – focuses on expanding the horizons of Year 8 boys in rural Cumbria. It does so by challenging traditional gender norms and showcasing diverse future options.

Jack Todd, Outreach Officer at Hello Future, said: “This visit was a brilliant example of what Breaking the Mould is all about – introducing boys to careers they might never have considered, in environments that feel exciting and real. It’s about showing them what’s possible.”

Throughout the day, pupils also heard about the importance of men in caring professions. They learned how it can be emotionally and intellectually rewarding, and socially impactful.

Jason Loffman, Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Social Care at the university, and a founder of the Men Do Care campaign, said: “I hope we've planted a seed for some to question stereotypes of what it means to be a boy and for them to pursue rewarding careers where they can make a real difference to people's lives.”

“We need all kinds of people to work in social work, nursing and allied health careers. Men Do Care highlights the positive impact that men have. This isn't about minimising the impact females have working in care roles but to try and show that there are men working with empathy and compassion, with this benefiting those they work with.”