Work experience in the NHS offers the chance to see what the job is really like. It may confirm a person’s career choice or open their eyes to other options that they hadn’t considered.
Within the NHS there is a wide range of career choices from doctors to nurses and allied health professionals such as, physiotherapists, dieticians, radiographers, porters, ward clerks and occupational therapy. The NHS also depends on other staff who work in administration, finance, IT, estates, human resources and other areas. You can learn more about the different roles within the health service on the NHS Careers website here.
A record of work experience will be an advantage when applying for jobs or higher education courses.
What we offer
Work experience placements are provided in clinical and non-clinical work places within the trust for learners aged from 16, although restrictions in certain areas may apply.
Placements are offered for up to five days in clinical and non-clinical areas. Other departments such as therapies, pharmacy and radiology offer one/two day placements.
Application forms will only be accepted within the following guidelines:
- For Spring (March to May) please submit applications between 1 December to 31 January
- For Summer (June to August) please submit applications between 1 March to 30 April
- For Autumn (Sep to October) please submit application between 1 June to 31 July
- For Winter (December to January) please submit applications between 1 September to October 31.
If you have not received confirmation in writing within four weeks of the deadline your application was unsuccessful.
Work experience placements are provided in clinical and non-clinical workplaces within the trust for learners aged from 16, although restrictions in certain areas may apply. Placements are strictly observational only - learners will be supervised at all times.
We offer a range of on-site events which provide insight into the range of careers we offer at LUHFT. These include nursing, allied health professionals and dentistry. Please take a look at our events calendar below to discover the latest Career Insight Days.
Apply for work experience
Individuals wishing to carry out work experience placement must complete a Work Experience Application Form which can be downloaded here.
On completion of the form the work experience coordinator will liaise with the individual to complete all the necessary pre-placement checks.
The student and their parent/guardian are required to sign an honorary contract which gives permission for the placement to proceed and binds students to certain standards of behaviour.
Failure to observe this code may mean instant termination of the placement. An honorary contract will be issued by the Work Experience Coordinator to notify successful candidates of the terms of their agreement.
Apply for Taste of the NHS or Career Insight Day
If you wish to book a place for the Taste of the NHS programme or a Career Day event please complete a Career Day/Programme Application Form.
How do I apply?
Please print and complete an application form and return to the address/email address shown on the form stating the chosen area and the placement dates. Please note, forms should be returned at least 12 weeks prior to placement.
Will I be interviewed?
No, you will not be interviewed, however you will be expected to complete an application form, detailing the reasons to undertake work experience and to include a reference from your tutor.
Who can apply for work experience?
You can apply for a placement with the Trust if you are over 16 years old, attending school, college or higher educational establishments within the local community and fulfil at least one of the following criteria:
- Possess a keen interest in a career within the NHS
- Have a need to demonstrate work experience as part of an application for a recognised academic course
- Need to complete specific work experience to complete vocational training.
Would I be able to apply for more than one placement?
Due to the number of applications we receive, we can only allow one placement per calendar year to allow other students to undertake work experience. In addition, we have restrictions on the amount of placements we can offer per month. Therefore, you are advised to apply as soon as possible as we accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
I would like to shadow a doctor while on my placement. Is this possible?
Shadowing a doctor is permitted, however you must be over 16 years old.
What is the uniform policy?
You will be expected to follow the Trust Uniform and Dress Code Policy - black skirt or trousers, white shirt and dark shoes.
Students who undergo placements within the clinical area should:
- Wear short sleeved tops or bare below the elbows.
- Ties should not be worn or, should be tucked into the shirt
- Jewellery must be confined to plain ring as stones can scratch patients. Bracelets should not be worn. Necklaces must be removed with the exception of medical alert necklace. One pair of plain small stud earrings can be worn.
- Hair below collar length must be tied up.
- Nails must be short and kept clean.
- False and gel nails must be avoided as they harbour large numbers of microorganisms.
- No jeans or trainers are allowed.
What are the working arrangements for each placement?
The working arrangements vary depending on where your placement is.
Am I required to undergo an occupational health check?
Yes. The occupational health form is within the application form. You are required to gain evidence of your MMR immunisations from your GP and send to the work experience coordinator along with your completed application form.
Am I required to undergo a CRB check?
A CRB is not required to undertake a placement at the hospital as you must be fully supervised at all times.
How will my placement be confirmed?
You will receive an honorary contract outlining your placement details.
Will I get paid expenses?
All placements are unpaid. The Trust cannot meet any costs towards travel, meals or accommodation.
How long will my placement be?
The duration of the work experience placement can be up to a maximum of 5 days, however some departments feel it is sufficient to offer either 1 or 2 days only. The placement duration is predetermined by the department and is non-negotiable.
Can I do my work experience at the weekend?
Placement requests for alternative configuration/duration e.g. weekly slots, weekends, long term placements etc. cannot be accommodated. Bank Holidays are a particularly busy time for NHS staff and if a Bank Holiday falls within your allocated placement you should not attend on that day.
Can I have more than one choice of department on my application?
Your request may be considered more favourably if your application identifies a single choice placement, preferably which is also aligned with your chosen career pathway, since some of the clinicians choose to restrict their work experience placements to those students who are able to evidence a specific interest or intent towards their given profession.
There are various departments within the Trust that on enquiry would potentially have the capacity to help support a work experience placement. However, we do try and allocate students to a department who have a genuine interest in that field so that maximum benefit is gained.
To help us find a suitable placement, please can you specify on the expression of interest form a department/job role within the Trust that you would be interested in gaining experience in. The department will look at the expression of interest form to see if they can offer the sort of experience the student is interested in before offering a placement so the more information on the form the better.
Does the Trust have Employers Liability Insurance?
Yes, we are insured on a yearly basis April to March. A copy of the certificate can be sent to your educational provider on request.
Work experience events
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From Breath to Brilliance Inspiring Respiratory Journeys
Event date and time: 22 October 2025
Event Categories:
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Recruitment Events
Event description:
In celebration of Stoptober, we invite secondary school students to take part in a powerful one-day programme that shines a light on the wide range of careers dedicated to treating respiratory illnesses. From frontline healthcare to groundbreaking research, students will discover how diverse professionals work together to help patients breathe easier—and be inspired to imagine their own role in building a healthier, smoke-free future.
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Breaks to Breakthroughs: Exploring Orthopaedic Careers
Event date and time: 29 October 2025
Event Categories:
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Recruitment Events
Event description:
Step into the world of movement, healing, and innovation. This one-day programme invites secondary school students to explore the wide range of careers in orthopaedics—where science, skill, and compassion come together to restore mobility and transform lives. From surgical theatres to rehabilitation centres, students will discover how diverse professionals work as a team to help people stand tall, walk strong, and live fully.
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Sweet Success – Exploring Careers in Diabetes Care
Event date and time: 14 November 2025
Event Categories:
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Recruitment Events
Event description:
This one-day programme invites secondary school students to explore the diverse and dedicated team of professionals caring for people with diabetes. From diagnosis to long-term support, students will discover how science, compassion, and innovation come together to empower healthier lives. It’s a chance to be inspired by the many roles that make a real difference—and to imagine a future where they could be part of the solution.
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Aspiring Nurses Careers Day
Event date and time: 18 November 2025
Event Categories:
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Recruitment Events
Event description:
Explore the incredible breadth of nursing careers across the NHS. From emergency care to mental health, community outreach to surgical support, students will discover how nurses lead and make a lasting impact every day. It’s a unique opportunity to be inspired by the compassion, skill, and dedication that define the heart of healthcare—and to imagine a future where they could be part of it.
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Aspiring Medics Day
Event date and time: 9 December 2025
Event Categories:
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Recruitment Events
Event description:
A one-day programme designed to ignite curiosity and connection. Through engaging talks and real-life stories, students will hear first-hand about the journey to becoming a doctor.
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Think Before you Drink – A Day of Empowerment and Education
Event date and time: 14 January 2026
Event Categories:
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Recruitment Events
Event description:
Secondary school pupils are invited to take part in a one-day programme that explores the vital NHS careers supporting patients on their journey to overcoming alcoholism. Through engaging sessions and real-life insights, students will discover how healthcare professionals—from mental health specialists to addiction nurses—work together to change lives, restore hope, and build healthier futures. It’s a chance to be inspired by the power of care, compassion, and recovery.
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From Sight to Science – Inspiring Careers in Eye Care
Event date and time: 23 January 2026
Event Categories:
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Recruitment Events
Event description:
Explore the fascinating world of ophthalmology within the NHS. Through engaging talks and hands-on activities, participants will discover the wide range of specialties—from surgical innovation to vision rehabilitation—that help protect and restore sight. It’s a unique opportunity to be inspired by the science, compassion, and teamwork that bring light to people’s lives.
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Behind the Screens – Explore the world of NHS Administration & Digital Services
Event date and time: 25 February 2026
Event Categories:
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Recruitment Events
Event description:
Discover the hidden power behind the scenes of our NHS. This one-day programme explores the dynamic world of non-clinical careers—from digital innovation to vital administrative roles that keep the NHS running smoothly. Through inspiring career talks and real-life insights, students will uncover how these professionals make a meaningful impact on patient care every day. It’s a unique opportunity to see how leadership, technology, and organisation come together to shape the future of healthcare—and how they could be part of it.
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Explore Oncology: Science, Care, and Innovation
Event date and time: 2 March 2026
Event Categories:
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Recruitment Events
Event description:
A one-day programme opening the door for older students to explore the powerful and compassionate world of cancer care within the NHS. Discover the wide range of roles—from research and diagnostics to nursing and medical oncology—that come together to support patients through their cancer journey.
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Liverpool Clinical Laboratories Open Day
Event date and time: 3 March 2026
Event Categories:
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Recruitment Events
Event description:
Step into the fascinating world of medical science. This is a full-day experience designed to spark curiosity and inspire future careers. The morning kicks off with captivating career journeys from NHS scientists, sharing how they turned their passion for discovery into life-changing work. In the afternoon, students will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a working lab, witnessing the cutting-edge technology and teamwork that drive patient care from the inside out. It’s a rare opportunity to see science in action—and imagine where it could take you.
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