Work experience at NCH&C

What is work experience? 

A work experience placement at NCH&C is a great way to try out a career in the NHS before applying for a job or committing to a new course of study.

Work experience will show you how the NHS really works - especially useful if you've only seen it on the TV or when you've been ill! Spending some time with healthcare professionals and learning more about their jobs can show you what it's like being part of a team providing patient care, including what skills you need. It can help build your confidence, so you have a head start when applying for a job or academic course. 

Work experience is for anybody aged 14+ who is looking to gain more knowledge about the NHS and career options - not just school leavers! Work experience can be valuable for those considering a career change or returning to work after a career break.

NCH&C is proud to hold the bronze Work Experience Quality Standard award from NHS England, which recognises the quality of our work experience placements.

 

How does work experience at NCH&C work?

At NCH&C, we offer five-day work experience programmes in July and August.

July's programme is for school leavers, while August is tailored for professionals returning to work or making a career change.

Each five-day programme contains interactive classroom sessions from a range of healthcare professionals, a clinical visit to a healthcare service of your choice, and employability skills and support with NHS job applications.

Our work experience programme covers a huge range of clinical services, so it's perfect if you're interested in a healthcare career but you haven't quite decided where you want to specialise.

During our five-day programme, you'll meet NCH&C colleagues from the following teams:

  •         Community and inpatient nursing
  •         Clinical research
  •         Dietetics
  •         Speech and language therapy
  •         Psychology
  •         Physiotherapy
  •         Occupational Therapy
  •         Pharmacy
  •         Children's services
  •         Infection Prevention and Control

Applications for the summer 2026 work experience programme will open in Autum 2025. Check back for more information and to apply. 

For more information about work experience at NCH&C, get in touch.

Email: WorkExperience@nchc.nhs.uk

Phone: 01603 272593