Work experience

How the process of applying works

1. Speak to the careers adviser or guidance teacher at your school or college

NHS organisations have agreements with local schools or colleges on work experience placements. Your guidance teacher or careers adviser may be able to help you secure a placement.

It will help if you have an idea of what sort of career you're interested in. That way your careers adviser can help find you a placement that suits you and where you'll learn as much as possible.

If you're still unsure about what you want to do, talk to your teacher or careers adviser or take a look at the career opportunities available on the explore our careers section of the NHSScotland Careers website.

2. Apply

• S5/S6 High School Pupils within the Highland Council area can apply directly online via the hi-hope.org website
• University of the Highlands and Islands students can apply by filling in the online application form and submitting it to:
  email nhsh.workexperience@nhs.scot

NHS Highland currently supports work experience for schools, colleges and universities within the Highland Council area. Departments also accept elective placements from a number of universities. Requests for work experience outwith this scope will not be responded to.

3. If there are no places

There may be lots of reasons why you're not offered a placement. It could simply be down to a lack of places, a shortage of supervisors or having too many students on placement already. Unfortunately, not all NHS organisations or specialties offer work experience, so you could always try other private or voluntary organisations within your area.

4. Interview

You may be accepted without an interview, but if you are asked to attend it can be a valuable part of the work experience process. Prepare for it just like you would do for any other job interview: dressed smartly, on time and prepared to ask some questions of your own.

5. Confirmation letter

You'll be sent a confirmation letter, next of kin form and confidentiality agreement for you to sign and bring with you on your first day. The confirmation letter will explain where and when to go for your placement and who to call if you have any problems.

6. Your experience

The first thing to remember is to enjoy yourself and try to get the best out of the opportunity. Remember to also:

• be polite and punctual
• show you care - seeing a friendly face can make all the difference
• show you are interested - you only get out what you put in - if you are unsure of anything, ask
• keep a diary of what you do and see as you go along (always remembering patient confidentiality) - this might really help for your UCAS personal statement or when applying for jobs
• share your experience with other students and your guidance teacher or careers adviser (where relevant)

7. Follow up

Evaluate on your experience. What did you learn? What challenges did you face? You may have an exit interview or an evaluation form to fill in, to reflect on what you've achieved and how useful you found the placement. Don't forget to take a note of your supervisor's name. They can give you a reference, if you decide to continue your career in the NHS.

8. What next?

NHS organisations offer a range of Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships.

Keep up to date with what is on offer along with job vacancies on the NHSScotland Careers website.