Work Placements
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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 the QR Code below and the QR Code for the 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
- Virtual Work Experience
- Teacher Encounters
Please note that work experience cannot be arranged with Doctors through the Ready2Step Academy. Should you have an interest in studying Medicine, please see: https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/careers/future-doctors
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 minimum age for volunteering is 18 years due to health and safety concerns.
You don't need previous experience but you must be a kind and caring person as the majority of roles are face to face with the general public and show real commitment. Volunteers need to have a flexible approach to ensure we give the best service to our patients and staff where it is needed the most.
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
We have a special programme for applicants aged between 16-18 years which will be advertised soon.
General Recruitment Process
Application Form
The application forms for each hospital site is at the bottom of this page, please fill out the information the best you can.
Interview and DBS check
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.
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 to ensure you are fit to carry out the role you apply for.
Applicant to complete training online
You will be provided with a link of all trainings to relevant for your role including general safety traiings within the hospital.
Local induction
When ready to start we take our volunteers on a local induction to get familiar with the hospital, and hand you avolunteers uniform and an ID badge.
Start volunteering
You are ready to start volunteering with us!
