Discover Exciting Opportunities With Our Work Experience Programme!
Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of NHS Lothian? Then apply for our work experience programme and gain invaluable insights into the dynamic industry we thrive in. Whether you’re a young student exploring career options or someone looking to switch paths, this programme offers an opportunity to help you discover your true potential.
Why Work Experience?
- Gain career insight in a real workplace environment.
- Learn from experienced professionals who are eager to share their knowledge.
- Discover exciting career pathways within our organization.
- Enhance your transferable skills, build your resume, and prepare for your future.
Work Experience for Secondary School Students
We are currently working to update the information on work experience for secondary school students.
Please note that the Step into Healthcare programme is scheduled for June 2025. To be considered for the programme, please send an email to loth.workexperience@nhs.scot to be added to the mailing list. You must provide the following details: your full name, email address, school year, and school name to be added to the mailing list.
Outside of this programme, we do not have any work experience opportunities for secondary school students interested in medicine, dentistry nursing and midwifery and we will be unable to respond to queries regarding this.
Work Experience for Adult (Applicants not in Secondary School)
- Explore: Take some time to peruse our website, read about our culture, and learn more about the areas that interest you.
- Apply: We encourage applicants to independently source their placements. If you’re seeking a placement, you should reach out directly to the department or area of interest. They will then work with you to negotiate the content and duration of the placement. As soon as a placement opportunity is confirmed, you can complete the appropriate application form and return to us.
Alternatively, send an email to us at loth.workexperience@nhs.scot with sufficient information on your request. We will work on sourcing a placement for you. This process takes up to 8 weeks and we cannot guarantee that we will always secure a placement for you. - Start Your Journey: Once your application is approved, you’ll embark on your work experience adventure with NHS Lothian!!
Work Experience in Laboratory Medicine
To streamline work experience requests, the Laboratory training team have introduced a new process to help manage the volume of applications.
Application process: All work experience requests must be submitted via this formopens a new window. Completion of all fields will automatically generate an application to the Labs Training Team and into our email box. Due to the volume of requests, please ensure contact is through the MS form and not by email correspondence.
Responses: The Laboratory team will review all applications and respond within 12 weeks. If you haven’t received a response within this timeframe, unfortunately, your application has been unsuccessful.
Successful Applications: Those who are successful will need to complete the self-found placement application and coordinate their available dates with the hosting department.
Due to the work conditions of the laboratory, these placements would only be available for young people over the age of 16.
IMPORTANT NOTICE Considering the sensitivity of the field and to ensure the safety of our patients, please be aware that work experience primarily involves observation and shadowing of a professional.
Join us for a life-changing work experience that could be your first step toward a rewarding career.
Other Resources
If you are a school leaver, please visit the DYW Skills Academy to see the offer of online events to support you moving into work.
The My World of Work website has a range of resources and career learning opportunities for over 2000 young people.
NHS Scotland Careers
Explore the exciting, challenging and rewarding career opportunities in the NHS in Scotland
Young People’s Mental Health
With everything going on right now, it’s more important than ever to stay connected and carry on talking about mental health.
The Seeme Scotland website has a range of resources you can access.
Young Scot is Scotland’s National Youth Information Service and have a range of activities and resources you can access.
Have Questions?
Here’s how to contact us!
Email: loth.workexperience@nhs.scot
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