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NHS Lothian Careers Over 100 Careers: Just One Employer

Step Into Healthcare

NHS Lothian Step Into Healthcare Work Experience Programme

Work Experience has changed.


Welcome to our Step into Healthcare programme! Tailored for young aspiring healthcare professionals, this initiative offers a unique pathway to explore the exciting world of healthcare. Gain valuable insights, mentorship, and experience as you take your first steps towards a rewarding career in healthcare. Apply now and embark on a journey of discovery with us!


The Step Into Healthcare Programme represents a collaborative endeavor aimed at fulfilling the need for structured and inclusive pathways for young individuals aspiring to pursue careers in healthcare. This initiative is designed to provide a comprehensive experience that not only offers valuable insights into the healthcare profession but also aligns with the requirements for university preparation. As an anchor organization, we are committed to providing a holistic experience that inspires and empowers the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Step Into Dentistry

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, 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
  • Development of a deeper understanding of the dental profession and its impact on oral health
  • Discussion workshops on personal statement, health and safety and others

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

Applications for June 2024 have now closed.

More dates to be announced soon.

Step Into Medicine

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.

The first edition of this would be from Monday 3rd- Friday 7th June 2024.

Applications for June 2024 have now closed.

More dates to be announced soon.

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

Step Into Midwifery

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 June 2024 have now closed.

More dates to be announced soon.

Step Into Nursing

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 are open to individuals in S4-S6, with a minimum age requirement of 14. The first edition is Monday 10th- Friday 14th June 2024.

AHP and Other Careers (Secondary School Students)

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 to Apply

Please email us at loth.workexperience@nhs.scot indicating your interest and we will send you the appropriate form to complete. Applications will be closed once all available spots have been filled.

If you are unable to attend for these dates, we will publish new opportunities for the programme here.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Resources

The My World of Work website has a range of resources and career learning opportunities for over 2000 young people.

You Can Be A Doctor has resources and information if you are interested in pursuing a career in medicine.

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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