Step Into Healthcare

• Download and complete the application form below. Ensure you read the instructions carefully as we will be unable to process an incomplete form.

• Please send your completed form to loth.workexperience@nhs.scot with the subject line indicating the programme you are applying for, e.g. ‘Step Into Dentistry’.
• Please submit the form in DOCX format only. Kindly avoid sending your application as a cloud document, as we will not be able to access it.

• Once your placement is secured, you’ll be invited to a mandatory information session where we’ll provide key details and answer your questions. Please note, failure to attend will result in the cancellation of your placement.
• After your application is approved, we will confirm your placement, and you’ll begin your work experience journey with NHS Lothian!

Make sure you apply before the closing date. Applications may close early if we receive a high number of applications.

This programme is for young people interested in a career in oral medicine including dentistry, dental nursing, dental hygiene This programme is for young people interested in a career in oral medicine including dentistry, dental nursing, dental hygiene and therapy. Participants in the Step Into Dentistry Programme will engage in a optimised placement with the Edinburgh Dental Institute or our other sites, gaining practical exposure to different career opportunities within oral medicine.

Activities

• Basic knowledge about dental procedures, patient care, and careers within the field
• 3 days at the Edinburgh Dental Institute

This programme would be run quarterly with limited spots available. Participants would spend 3 days with the Dental team where they would be rotated across the various areas.

Dates for 2025

• February 11th- 13^th 2025 (applications closed)
• February 18th- 20^th 2025 (applications closed)
• June 10th- 12th 2025
• June 17th- 19th 2025
• July 22nd- 24th 2025
• July 29th- 31st 2025
• August 5th-6th 2025

We are currently not accepting applications for this programme.

Spaces are limited and applications would be considered on a first come first serve basis.

The Step Into Medicine Programme is NHS Lothian’s exclusive pathway for work experience for senior high school pupils who are interested in becoming doctors.

This 3-day programme at the Chancellor’s Building, Little France is designed to promote career exploration, helping pupils gain a deeper understanding of a career in medicine, and offering insights into the diverse career pathways within the field.

In addition, participants will be supported in developing clinical communication and interpersonal skills with the goal of better preparing them for medical school applications and interviews.

Applications for 2025 will open on Monday 13^th January till Friday 21st February 2025.

The programme would be limited to current S5 and S6 students.

Dates for 2025

• Monday 9^th June- Wednesday 11^th June 2025.

Spaces are limited and applications will be considered on a first come first serve basis. Applications may close early if we receive a high number of applications.

This dynamic initiative has been designed to provide aspiring midwives with a comprehensive introduction to the field. Over the course of three immersive days, participants will shadow experienced midwives within community and acute settings.

Due to the sensitivity of certain areas of midwifery, this programme would only be available for young people over the age of 16. 

Dates for 2025

• Tuesday 10^th– Friday 13^th June 2025. 

Applications for 2025 will open on Monday 20^th January 2025  till Friday 28^th February 2025.

Spaces are limited and applications will be considered on a first come first serve basis. Applications may close early if we receive a high number of applications.

The Step Into Nursing Programme offers a tailored experience aimed at introducing participants to the diverse field of nursing. Throughout the structured and interactive week , participants will gain practical exposure to various career paths within nursing.

Programme Highlights:

• Gain basic knowledge of patient care and career opportunities within nursing
• Participate in simulated case studies and workshops
• One day observation placement within acute or community settings
• Engage in discussion workshops covering topics such as personal statements and preparing for university

Dates for 2025

• Tuesday 10th- Friday 13th June 2025. 

Applications for the 2025 programme will open on Monday 20^th January 2025  till Friday 28^th February 2025.

Spaces are limited and applications are considered on a first come first serve basis. Applications may close early if we receive a high number of applications.

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 form. Completion of all fields will automatically generate an application to the Labs Training Team and into their email box. Due to the volume of requests, please ensure contact is through the 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.

Note At this stage, you only need to complete the MS Form above.

We are working to provide more structured experiences for all our careers. If you’re interested in Art Therapy, Dietetics, Drama Therapy, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Prosthetics, Orthotics, Speech and Language Therapy, or any other professions excluding Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Midwifery, we still have opportunities for you!

Please show the instructions on how to apply. Applications would be considered on a case by case basis for this careers.

How would I know that I have been offered a place on the programme?

• Please ensure that you provide the correct contact information when completing the form and check your mail including spam and junk folders regularly for updates on your application. We will contact you on next steps via email.

I am interested in a career that has not been listed, can I still have work experience?

• We are constantly working on creating similar opportunities in other areas within NHS Lothian. If the career you are interested in is not listed please follow the guidance for AHP and other careers.

What other opportunities are there for gaining work experience in medicine?

• There are alternative ways to gain work experience for medical school. These include private GP practices, nursing homes, volunteering opportunities including NHS Lothian Volunteering, care homes, virtual work experience programmes, local hospices, and roles involving care for individuals with illnesses or disabilities.

I am over secondary school age, can I apply for the Step Into Healthcare Programme?

• The Step Into Healthcare Programme is tailored to meet the needs and requirements of individuals of secondary school age, ensuring that the experience is appropriate and beneficial for participants at that stage of their education and career exploration so we would be unable to accommodate people outside this age group. For more information please click here