Work experience in the NHS offers a unique opportunity to explore different careers, gain real insight into the working world, and discover where your future could take you.

We offer a wide range of placements across the Trust—both in roles with direct patient contact (such as nursing, midwifery, or occupational therapy), and non-patient-facing roles that support frontline care (like finance, IT, admin, or estates). Whether you’re interested in working on a ward or helping to keep the hospital running behind the scenes, there’s something here for you.

Placements run from 1 June to 31 August each year and are offered as either one-day tasters or week-long blocks. We prioritise local Year 12 students, but welcome applications from all eligible young people.

• Ages 14–15: non-clinical placements only, like Digital, Finance or HR.
• Ages 16+: clinical options such as Nursing, Pharmacy, Midwifery, Physiotherapy. or Healthcare Science.
• Medicine-specific simulation taster days are also available.

These placements are shadowing and observation-based. You’ll be fully supervised and encouraged to ask lots of questions.

Some placements (like Theatres, Paediatrics, and A&E) are unavailable due to safety, and some clinical roles will require an Occupational Health check before you begin.

We take expressions of interest from 1st September each year with applications opening between 2nd January to 28th February. Please email us at the appropriate time on wah-tr.workexperience@nhs.net. Places fill fast, so be quick!

These opportunities give you a real-world glimpse into NHS careers—led by the people who do the jobs every day—and show you what’s possible when you step into their shoes.

Real people. Real insights.
Throughout the year, we host careers events, open days, and school visits to help students explore the many career opportunities in the NHS.

These sessions are a chance to meet staff, ask questions, and get real-world insight into both clinical roles and the essential support functions behind the scenes. Perfect if you’re still weighing up your options—or just curious about the possibilities.

From Student to NHS Apprentice: Olivia’s Story
“I came to one of  these events as a student—not really sure what I wanted to do, just hoping to find some direction. The careers advice I got that day genuinely helped shape my path and led me to a career in the NHS.

Now I’m back, but this time as an Occupational Therapy (OT) Business Administration Apprentice—and it feels amazing to be on the other side, sharing my story. I really hope it helps someone else take that first step, just like I did.”
— Olivia Gilbert, OT Business Administration Apprentice