Work experience

What is work experience? 

Work experience is a crucial stepping stone in an individual's career journey, providing real-world exposure to professional environments. It allows people to:

• Apply Knowledge: Bridge the gap between what is learnt in school and practical application by observing actual projects and tasks.
• Gain Insight: Understand the workplace, culture, and industry standards, enhancing professional knowledge of the environment people hope to work in.
• Build Skills: Develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, and problem-solving that are vital in any career.
• Enhance Employability: Strengthen applications by showcasing hands-on experience.
   

At Dorset Healthcare, work experience can vary from ‘taster’ days which can last between half a day to two days, through to programmes that last a full week. Most of our work experience placements are observational, but some of the “experience” days offer a safe way to gain hands-on experience. Our placements are available across clinical and non-clinical roles.

Work experience, our other offers and who can apply 

Our work experience programmes are for young people and students who are interested and ready to gain practical experience and develop their careers. Due to the nature of our trust there are many different teams that can offer traditional work experience however depending on the team the age accepted may differ.

Experience: NHS Programmes 

These two- to four-day programmes are available for Year 12 students to apply for throughout the year and give an introduction and insight into the NHS as well as specific career paths within the organisation. Our programmes are designed to give students a wider view of each service and the roles that may be present beyond the well known roles.

Our current programmes are

We promote these opportunities through local schools when applications are open for the specific programmes, but if you would like further information in the meantime, contact us at dhc.work.experience@nhs.net or fill out the Expression of interest form.

How to apply for work experience? 

Please fill in this expression of Interest for Work Experience to find out more about our different types of work experience.

Please note that priority will be given to

• Applications with Dorset Addresses
• Learners currently in a school which is in an area of deprivation (as guided by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) datasets).
• Learners who currently have or previously had an EHCP
• Applications from those who are currently considered as NEET (Not in education, Employment or Training)
• Applications from those who are currently in or have left Care (Looked after Children)
• Applications from those who are currently in or have recently left the Armed Forces.

Please ensure that you indicate if you are in one of these groups on your application. Also, please be aware we can only accept a limited number of students per year. Placements are dependent on the services agreeing and the needs of the service will be prioritised, therefore we cannot always guarantee a placement.
 

Phone conversations 

You can also speak to someone in the Trust who works in a particular role that interests you. They could give you some advice about what the job is like and the qualifications required. To request this, please email dhc.work.experience@nhs.net and we will try to assist you. 

School visits/mock interviews 

Our trusts Career Ambassadors regularly support school events and attend mock interview sessions, working closely with careers advisors. If you would like us to arrange a visit with your school or learning provider, contact us at dhc.work.experience@nhs.net. 

T Level Placements

If you are a T level student looking for a placement, please ask your college/ 6^th form to get in touch with us at dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net