Are you interested in helping to promote speech and language therapy as a career choice?
These resources can help SLTs and student SLTs to raise awareness of the speech and language therapy profession, whether by giving a talk at a local school or attending a careers event.
Why promote the profession?
Research shows that one of the biggest barriers to the growth of the profession is that most young people simply don’t know about it. Those joining the profession tend to find out about it from family or friends, or hear about it during their first degree, usually in English, linguistics or psychology.
There is a potential role for every SLT to attract the next generation of students. This can be done by taking part in a careers event, but also in every contact with service users – there is always potential in spreading knowledge of the profession.
How the RCSLT promotes the profession
- Policy and influencing – by engaging with policymakers, government bodies, and our members we aim to promote the work and role of the speech and language therapy profession and improve policy across the UK and internationally.
- Supporting education – we support universities in developing quality apprenticeships for the profession, as well as providing input into the development of educational and training materials for future speech and language therapist.
- Media – the RCSLT collaborates closely with the media to raise awareness of the speech and language therapy profession, advocate for better resources and recognition and educate the public on issues faced within the profession.
Find out more about how the RCSLT promotes the profession.
2025 marks 80 years of the RCSLT. Take a look at these pages for tips and resources for you to get involved in celebrating the profession.
Careers guide and templates
This careers toolkit provides SLTs and student SLTs with material to promote speech and language therapy as a degree. They can be used when you visit a school or careers event.
Download these resources and use them as required for your audience:
- RCSLT careers guide (PDF) – This booklet is an essential guide to becoming a speech and language therapist.
- Micro careers booklet for prospective SLTs – Our pocket-sized handout promoting speech and language therapy as a career.
- Career poster – This poster outlines the various educational pathways and qualifications required to become a speech and language therapist, helping provide a clear roadmap for aspiring professionals.
- Careers powerpoint presentation template (PPT) – You can download these presentation slides to use when giving a talk in a school or university. Thank you to BCU SLT student society for their contribution in producing this template.
- Primary school careers powerpoint presentation template (PPT) – You can download these presentation slides to use when giving a talk in a primary school. Download the Welsh version here.
- Template letter to schools (Word) – You can use this letter template to offer to talk to schools about speech and language therapy as a career.
Email info@rcslt.org if you would like hard copies of the careers guide or leaflet for an event or if you have resources to share with us and other members.
Becoming an SLT
When promoting the profession, you might find our pages on becoming a speech and language therapist helpful. We also provide information on which universities offer pre-registration training and details about the apprenticeship route.
SLT Voices
SLT Voices features blogs, articles and case studies from our members, healthcare leaders and service users. It aims to explore the unique perspectives that reflect the breadth of our community, share original perspectives, highlight key challenges and opportunities in the field, and support the ongoing development of the profession and its workforce.
SLTs and student SLTs can use the stories and experiences featured in SLT Voices to help promote the speech and language therapy profession. The blogs and articles can be used to highlight the impact speech and language therapists have and showcase the diverse roles SLTs play across healthcare, education, and in the community to inspire those thinking about speech and language therapy as a career.
RCSLT podcasts
Our podcasts explore key themes in the profession, featuring expert insights, research and real-world experiences.
The podcasts can be used to promote the profession by:
- Highlighting the expertise and impact of speech and language therapy – featuring discussions with practitioners and experts on various topics the podcasts showcase the clinical innovation and real-world outcomes of speech and language therapy.
- Sharing leadership insights – monthly news roundups feature interviews with RCSLT leadership, which can help SLTs understand key policy changes, campaigns, and professional standards.
- Facilitating professional development – the podcasts explore research, training approaches, new competencies and case studies to support continual learning and best practice.
- Encouraging community and awareness – certain episodes cover topics vital to service users and caregivers, such as aphasia, AI, AAC, which foster public understanding and community engagement.
Speech and language therapy factsheets
View our factsheets detailing case studies and service user stories showcasing how speech and language therapy changes lives.
Here’s how they can be used effectively:
- The factsheets provide clear, straightforward information directly to those who need it. They are easily accessible in both digital and printed formats meaning service users don’t have to search for information online or rely on technology.
- The factsheets cover specific conditions and explain exactly how speech and language therapy plays a crucial role in treating them. This can be helpful for families and carers looking for guidance on how to support their loved ones.
- By giving service users clear, practical advice, the factsheets empower them to understand their condition better and know what support and treatment options are available through speech and language therapy.
By distributing these factsheets, it makes it easier for people to access vital information and understand how speech and language therapy can help them.
Videos
Here are some videos about speech and language therapy that you can use in careers promotion activities.
Our ‘what is speech and language therapy’ animation can be used as an introduction to a careers event or presentation about careers promotion.
External resources
Health Education England’s strategic framework, What comes next? (PDF), can be used for engagement with schools and communities to build a diverse healthcare workforce.
It sets out how to reach out to young people, broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations to create a more diverse workforce within health.
By working with NHS England we are able to ensure there is material about speech and language therapy as a career.
The NHS has been working working with Inspiring the Future to help NHS ambassadors to go into local schools and colleges to talk about their roles and a wide range of healthcare careers.
If you would like further information about becoming an ambassador please visit the Inspiring the Future website.
