A NEW forum to provide help and guidance to students thinking of careers in the medical professions will be taking place in Redditch.

Dr David Cox, a chemist and senior examiner who has a successful track record over 20 years of teaching advanced level chemistry has collaborated with colleagues and practising doctors, dentists, pharmacists and others to produce the Aspiration Workshop day-long programmes.

Taking place on Saturdays at a hotel in Redditch, the first being on March 15, the workshop will provide an opportunity for students to hear first-hand about the "day job", the courses, and the highs and lows on the way.

Plenty of time is set aside for questions and answers as Dr Cox believes that it is impossible to have too much information.

To those with a clear idea of a career path there is the chance to learn more about the detail, and for those still contemplating these decisions the workshop provides an ideal space for a relaxed and informal discussion.

The programme includes some chemistry and biology input too.

All of the speakers are enthusiastic about passing on their experiences and encouraging the next generation of entrants. Pen portraits can be found on the workshop website www.aspirationworkshop.co.uk. Visitors can then click on the "contact" button for more information on the workshop.