The careers fair will also house a stand explaining careers in midwifery, where there is a shortage of candidates at present. The three Dublin maternity hospitals, The Coombe, The National Maternity Hospital and The Rotunda are continuously recruiting overseas to address the midwifery shortfall. Last month, a delegation from the three hospitals went on a recruitment drive in India. They were successful where general nursing is concerned but found it more challenging to recruit in the specific midwifery arena, said a spokesperson. She added that the shortfall is also being addressed through the new Degree in Midwifery programme which began last September. 

In conjunction with Trinity and UCD, students may begin their midwifery education upon leaving school at 18 with their Leaving Certificate. Read more