Careers experience offers a valuable opportunity to explore the diverse career paths available within the NHS.

By immersing yourself in the daily routines and responsibilities of NHS staff, you gain first-hand insight into the realities of healthcare professions.

This experience not only boosts your confidence, but also provides a deeper understanding of the attitudes, behaviours and values essential for success in a healthcare environment.

Through this observational opportunity, you develop a clearer perspective on what it takes to thrive in these roles, setting a strong foundation for your future career decisions.

Before continuing, please note the following:

We require a minimum of six weeks’ notice to enable us to arrange your placement.
Please be clear with dates you are requesting.
Careers work experience is only available for those aged 16 and over, some areas may require you to be older.
Careers work experience will last for a maximum of 3 to 5 days, with some departments offering shorter experiences visits.
Careers work experience will not include any hands-on experience or physical contact with patients.
Careers work experience will only take place during core working hours, and no work experience can be undertaken on the weekend.
You will only be permitted to undertake careers work experience once.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from those aged 16 and over, and open to learners living and studying within SO areas and our local schools/college. This programme is not open to university students.

Due to the sheer number of applicants, we cannot accommodate learners from outside these areas. If you are from outside the area, we recommend contacting your local NHS organisations.

We would welcome applications from learners who can demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the placement areas. Ensure that your application is clear and well presented. Think of specific examples to demonstrate your understanding of and interest in the placement. Take the time to research the area of are applying to work in. This will help you to get the most out of your time with us and demonstrate your passion and commitment.

Once we have received your application, it will be assessed by the careers experience team and passed to the relevant departments to check for spaces and suitable supervisors.

Please note, we do not accept or process applications outside these timeframes.

How and when to apply

Our applications open three times a year, and if large numbers are received we may close applications early.

Autumn - work experience to take place between end of September 2026 and December 2026.

Applications open on 3 August and close on 17 August.

Winter - work experience to take place between January 2027 and March 2027.

Applications open on 5 January and close on 18 January.

Please note: winter work experience placements can be postponed or cancelled at late notice due to winter pressures. If this happens, we will endeavour to rearrange your place as soon as possible.

Summer - work experience to take place between April 2027 and August 2027.

Applications will open on 8 March 2027 and close on 22 March 2027.

You will require to complete both an application form and health form (please note that these forms will only accept responses during application windows) . We will not process your application without both forms.

For students who have a friend or family member working within the Trust, we offer a separate route for work experience requests. Your friend or family member will need to either act as the sponsor, or source a sponsor who will support a work experience placement. Please contact us at directworkexperience@uhs.nhs.uk for more information.