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Work experience

Work experience is a valuable way to gain insight into some of the 350 careers available in the NHS. Our work experience placements are an opportunity to shadow and observe our professionals in clinical and non-clinical settings. Placements usually last for 3-5 days, but can be up to a maximum of 10 days  in some areas.

At UHBW, we offer two routes into work experience-School age (Year 10/11) andOver 16 year old/ Post secondary education. We do not offer work experience for students younger than Year 10.

School age work experience (Year 10 /11)
 Our school age work experience programme takes place over 4 weeks in June and July.  Each week is timetabled to provide an insight into the range of clinical and non-clinical careers in the NHS. The schedule consists of a variety of short taster placements, a hospital tour, access to a range of guest speakers, and practical sessions such as resuscitation or role play scenarios in our simulation centre.

Who can apply for school-age work experience?
 We work closely with our NHS and health partners across the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) region to support schools in our local community.  Key schools in our catchment area are allocated 2 places for their students in our summer programme.

If you attend one of the schools listed below speak to your school Careers Lead to find out more about the selection process for your school.  

If your school is not in the list  below, ask your school Careers Lead for guidance on whether your school is supported by another local NHS or health provider.

Our catchment area schools are: 

  • Ashton Park School
  • Backwell School
  • Bedminster Down School
  • Bridge Learning Campus
  • Bristol Cathedral Choir School
  • Bristol Grammar School
  • Broadoak Academy
  • Churchill School
  • Clifton College
  • Clifton High School
  • Cotham School
  • Gordano School
  • Hans Price Academy
  • King Alfred Academy
  • Merchants' Academy
  • Montpelier High School
  • Nailsea School
  • Oasis Academy Brightstowe
  • Oasis Academy Brislington
  • Oasis Academy John Williams
  • Priory Community School
  • Queen Elizabeth's Hospital
  • Redland Green School
  • Sidcot School
  • St Bernadettes Catholic Secondary School
  • St Katherines School
  • St Mary Redcliffe and Temple
  • The City Academy Bristol
  • Winterstoke Hundred Academy
  • Worle Community School

Over 16 year olds/ Post secondary education
 For those aged over 16 who have completed Year 11/ secondary education, we facilitate placements all year round where possible.

Due to the volume of requests we receive, applicants are required to secure their own host. We recommend doing some research on the UHBW website as well as LinkedIn to contact our professionals to establish if they are able to host you in their area.

There are some areas which are not routinely open to those under 18, includingOperating theatres, Emergency department/A&E, delivery suites, midwifery, gynae/ genito-urinary medicine, clinical areas,  areas which use ionising radiation, home visits, our oncology centre, intensive and coronary care units.

If you have any questions, email WorkExperience@uhbw.nhs.uk