title: The career journeys of health trainers in two health trainer services in England.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study follows the career journeys of health trainers and explores their reasons for becoming a health trainer, their experiences of being a health trainer and where and what they go on to.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study used biographical research methods to explore the experiences of seven individuals in two health trainer services. Individual maps were drawn up to preserve the uniqueness and individuality of each biographical story within its social context. Semi-structured interviews explored their journey using a narrative approach, focusing on the stages of becoming, being and moving forward as a health trainer. Thematic analysis of these interviews identified common themes and differences in the experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The start of each health trainer's journey is different but there is a remarkable similarity in the experience of being a health trainer. Being a health trainer affirmed the participants' values about 'giving back' to their community. It resulted in improved confidence as well as improved status in the community. All expressed a similar desire to progress within a health field but expressed frustration at being unable to develop a career.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study explored the motivations for lay people to become health trainers using the concept of career anchors. It shows how the role strengthens desires to continue working within a health-related field thus creating a potential future public health workforce. However, the lack of progression routes for individuals creates an obstacle for them to progress. This study raises implications for how policy makers, commissioners and workforce planners can appropriately support this public health workforce.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Wessex Deanery, Health Education England, UK. Em.Rahman@nhs.net
authors.forename: Em
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rahman
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wills
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003150:Community Health Workers; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010551:Personality
keywords: biographical research; career ladders; health trainers; lay health workers; public health workforce