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Routes into a work experience placement

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The application process.

For school pupils the application process is dependent upon whether you are within the Highland Council area or the Argyll and Bute Council area. Those who are no longer in education or currently studying at college or university are advised to follow the adult route.

Please note that there are different routes for medical work experience.

School pupils aged 16+

Discuss with your guidance teacher at your school the type of work experience that you want, and what you are hoping to gain from the experience.

Highland Council pupils

With the support of your guidance teacher, complete the application via HiHope. Applications received via other routes will be redirected to HiHope and this may delay the process.

Argyll and Bute Council and home-schooled pupils

With the support of your guidance teacher or guardian, return the completed application form. Applications received must demonstrate that they are supported by, and have been approved by, the school.

Adults

  • For those aged 16+ and not at school: return the completed application form.
  • If attending college: please obtain an academic reference to support your application.
  • For those not in education: photographic proof of ID will be required to support your application.

Application form

Download, complete and return this application form (Word and pdf versions are provided) to:

email nhsh.workexperience@nhs.scot 

Application review

All applications are reviewed before forwarding the request to the relevant team or lead. The process of arranging and sending out a placement offer could take up to 8 weeks due to a range of different factors, so please plan and take this into consideration.

If your application can be supported

If your request can be supported you will receive an offer letter, including a request to read, sign and return the Statement of Agreement and Confidentiality Statement. Adults will also be required to submit photographic evidence of their ID. We will provide a copy of the Work Experience Handbook.

Prior to commencing your placement, you must return the signed forms, and ID if applicable. The original of the ID will also be required for checking on your first day.

If your application cannot be supported

If we are unable to support your request, we will contact you as soon as possible with an explanation.

Schools engagement programme

Last updated: 10 October 2025

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