Work Experience

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 5 days in clinical and non-clinical areas. Other departments such as therapies, pharmacy and radiology offer 1-2 day placements.
Placements are arranged throughout the year subject to availability and they 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.

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.