Work Placements
Due to Covid we unable to offer this service at this time.
Please also check these pages for future updates
Work Experience
Some things cannot be taught; they must be experienced
Work Experience at UHD - Ready2Step Careers and Apprenticeship Academy
Overview of Ready2Step Careers and Apprenticeship Academy
The Ready2Step Careers and Apprenticeship Academy is dedicated to fostering career success through accessible, structured, and supportive services. We aim to empower people by providing apprenticeships, career development opportunities, and practical work experience. At Ready2Step, we believe that building the right skills and gaining hands-on experience are pivotal steps toward achieving career goals.
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 UHD, Work experience can vary from “experiences” which can last between half a day to two days, through to programmes that last a full week. The majority 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.
Our Work experience offers and who can apply
Who Can Apply: Our work experience program is open to individuals who are eager to gain practical experience and develop their careers. Whether you are a student, or someone looking to switch careers, we welcome your application. Applications for observational experiences are restricted to those in Year 12+. Programmes for younger applicants (School Years 10&11) are “experience days” which offer the opportunity to speak to those working in the professions and “have-a-go" in simulated practice.
How to apply for work experience?
Candidates should check the below guidance to ensure that they are applying to the correct team for their experience using the flow chart below:
| Applications Open | Months of Placement to take place |
| 1st February – 28th February | May, June, July, August |
| 1st July – 31st July | September, October, November, December |
| 1st October – 31st October | January, February, March, April |
You must submit an application using this link and complete a Health and Equalities form.
Please note that applications can only be accepted during the open windows and that both the application form and Health and Equalities forms must be submitted to be considered, submission of an application is not a guarantee of a placement offer, however where we are unable to provide an on-site placement; virtual work experience will be offered as an alternative.
Priority will be given to:
- Applications from within the BCP area.
- 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.
**Please note that work experience placements are not suitable for anyone looking for placements on pre-registration programmes (HCPC, NMC, GMC, GPhC etc.) This must be directed through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
NHS Experience Days:
Some of these programmes are also available for Year 10 & 11 students to apply for. They give an introduction and insight into the NHS as well as specific career paths within the organisation. We currently offer:
- Pathology Experience Day
- Therapies Experience Day
- Teacher Encounters
We are always developing new programmes so please keep an eye out here for more information.
School visits/mock interviews
Our Academy team and network of NHS Ambassadors regularly support school events, working closely with careers advisors in the area as well as the NHS Dorset team who co-ordinate much of our educational engagement across the Integrated Care System.
If you would like us to attend an event with your school or learning provider, please get in touch with us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
T-Level Placements
If you are a T-level student looking for a placement, please ask your college/sixth form to get in touch with us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
How to apply
The limit for volunteering is 16 and all volunteers complete a health assessment to confirm they are able to undertake the role. Application form which can be downloaded from this page and you will require two references and undertake a disclosure and barring check. Induction and training is provided by the hospital and volunteers recieve travelling and subsidised rates for meals and drinks in the restaurant.
For applicants under 18 years
Due to safety and safeguarding policies, applicants under the age of 18 are only permitted to volunteer during official hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We cannot facilitate volunteering outside of those hours; evenings and nights or over the weekend.
Application Form
Please complete the online application form carefully and complete all sections.
DBS
If the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check indicates ‘contains information’ and this hadn’t been declared on application or at interview then the application will be declined and the prospective volunteer notified.
If the applicant declares convictions this is not a bar on the application form this must be discussed during the interview and referred back to the Head of Patient Experience for a final decision.
References
You will be required to provide contact details of two people who have known you for more than 3 years who can act as a reference for you. They can be personal or work related but not family.
Occupational Health
As part of the process all volunteers will need clearance via the UHD Occupational Health Department.
Application form
For volunteering at UHD Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch hospitals, please go to the following page and complete the following online application MyImpactPage - Bournemouth & Christchurch Hospitals (betterimpact.com)
For volunteering at UHD Poole hospital, please go to the following page and complete the following online application MyImpactPage - Poole Hospital (betterimpact.com)
DBS
We require you to inform us of if you have ever had a criminal conviction, caution, reprimand or warnings and require you to notify us if you have any changes to your circumstances during the recruitment procedure.
Unfortunately if you do not disclose any of the above, we will not be able to continue with your application to be a volunteer at the Trust
A criminal conviction or caution would not preclude you from volunteering at the Trust. We look at every application individually
If you are unsure go on line to request: Police Subject Access. Its free and will give you peace of mind.
Health Risk Assessment Form
Please read the form in the link below carefully and complete all sections.
This form is required to assess your suitability to volunteer under the current Covid guidance we adhere to
UHD Volunteer
- Individual COVID-19 risk score of 4 or less
- Interview
- Two references required
- Right to work checks
- Enhanced DBS and register on Update Service
- Health Clearance including immunisation status for some roles
- Full mandatory training including safeguarding adults and children, Deaf Awareness
- Voluntary Agreement (contract)
- Uniform and lanyard supplied
- Trust ID badge
- Lateral Flow Test kit
- Record results on Trust website
- Aged 16-18 supervised otherwise aged 18+
- Patient contact
- Hours 8 – 12pm 12 – 4pm 4 – 8pm
- Travel expenses reimbursed (As Trust policy)
- Meal voucher available if volunteering over 5 hours or at Voluntary Services staff discretion
- National Volunteer Certificate available
- Award scheme for youth volunteering opportunities
- Supported by dedicated member of staff
Friends of UHD
- No COVID-19 risk score necessary, advise those shielding or those identified by medical professional to limit social contact, not to apply
- Interview
- Two references required
- Right to work checks
- No DBS required for task
- Health Clearance, but no immunisation status needed
- Health and Safety training relevant to the role, conflict resolution, Deaf Awareness
- Voluntary Agreement (contract)
- High Viz jackets supplied, no uniform but a dress code
- Temporary ID badge given
- Government supplied LFT kit
- Record on Google form supplied
- Under direct supervision organised groups aged 13-16 year olds can volunteer in this role. Supervised 16-18 year olds and 18+
- Minor contact with patients, giving directions and aiding flow
- Hours 8 – 11am 11 – 2pm 2-5pm 5 – 8pm
- Travel expenses reimbursed (As Trust policy)
- Meal voucher available if volunteering over 5 hours or at Voluntary Services staff discretion
- National volunteer certificate
- Award scheme for youth volunteering opportunities
- Supported by dedicated member of staff
