Step Into Healthcare

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.

Applications for 2024 are now closed.

To be considered for the programme, please email loth.workexperience@nhs.scot to be added to the mailing list. You must include your full name, email address, and school name in your message. You will receive updates when applicationss for next year open.

The Step Into Medicine Programme is 5 day timetabled event delivered by the Workforce Development Team, NHS Lothian Medical Education Directorate (MED) and You Can Be a Doctor¹.

The week would include Clinical skills sessions, personal statement workshops and mock interviews run by clinicians. So, participants would have an opportunity to interact with staff and also do some simulated clinical work.

Applications for 2024 are now closed. The next Step Into Medicine programme is scheduled for June 2025.

To join our mailing list and receive updates on upcoming opportunities for next year, please email us at loth.workexperience@nhs.scot with your your full name, email address, school year, and school name.

• What other opportunities are there for gaining work experience?

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

1. _{You Can Be A Doctor is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Charity number SC046620}

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 the 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. The date for the first edition is Monday 3rd- Friday 7th June 2024. 

Applications for 2024 are now closed. To join our mailing list and receive updates on upcoming opportunities for next year, please email us at loth.workexperience@nhs.scot with your name, email address, school and career interest.

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 including Infection Control, Vital Signs practice and Dementia care
• One day observation placement within acute or community settings
• Engage in discussion workshops covering topics such as personal statements and preparing for university

Applications for 2024 are now closed. To join our mailing list and receive updates on upcoming opportunities for next year, please email us at loth.workexperience@nhs.scot with your name, email address, school and career interest.

We are working to provide more structured experiences for all our careers. f 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!

To apply

• 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.
• Information Session: As soon as a placement is secured, you will be invited to a mandatory information session before your placement. Here we will share vital information on work experience within NHS Lothian and answer all your questions. Please note, if you do not attend this session, you will not be able to commence placement within NHS Lothian.
• Start Your Journey: Once your application is approved, you’ll embark on your work experience adventure with NHS Lothian!!

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

• Submission of your application form reserves a place on the programme. Please ensure that you provide the correct contact information when completing the form and check your mail for updates.

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 click here and follow the instructions on applying for work experience.

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 within 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