GWH NHS FT supports local young people who are interested in pursuing healthcare careers by offering one-to-three-day clinical and non-clinical work experience placements. If you are interested please email a request to gwh.work.experience@nhs.net. You will then be asked to complete a MS Form & based on age advised we can support work experience virtually if you are under 16 years old with Springpod or a face to face placement if 16 years and older (this is a maximum of a 3-day shadowing opportunity).
Please note for face to face placements you must have a home address within a 19-mile travel distance of the GWH Swindon site. You will be notified either way, via email, of the outcome of your application.
Please do not contact departments directly. We can only accept applications made following the links provided on our website.
A bespoke SEND WEX Virtual work experience package is also available, and schools can contact us for a free link for students to complete.
DFN Project Search
DFN Project Search is a one-year transition to work programme designed to challenge and change cultures, demonstrating how young people with a learning disability can enrich the workforce. We have been a host business to cohorts of young people who join the programme since Sept 2023. The programme will provide vital work-based learning opportunities at the Trust, with a view to helping the interns develop their employability skills as well as providing hands-on experience in the workplace.
This programme is open to individuals aged 18-25 but applicants must live in Swindon and an Education Health and Care (EHC) Plan is required.
If you or someone you know is interested, email ProjectSearch@newcollege.ac.uk or supportedemployment@swindon.gov.uk
For additional details, visit the DFN Project Search website.
Pathway to the Future
In October 2023 we launched an innovative new ‘Pathway to the Future’ programme that offers students a new route into careers in healthcare to ensure that the NHS locally have a strong pipeline of talent ready to join the service. Numbers vary each year but an average of 12 students (aimed towards students who are young carers, provide care for children, or come from areas of deprivation) are selected from the New College Swindon, Health and Social Care course and the programme equips them with vital employment skills for leading a successful career in the future.
Throughout the academic year, students participating in this programme will attend sessions hosted by Great Western Hospitals, exploring various topics including work readiness, mental health awareness, cultural sensitivity, and career planning, among others.
For more information on Health and Social Care courses by visiting the college website or by speaking to your Programme Leader about this opportunity.
T Levels
T Levels are 2-year courses which are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent in size to 3 A Levels. Launched in September 2020, these courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or related technical study through further or higher education.
T Levels offer students practical and knowledge-based learning at a school or college and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days. T Levels require students to undertake both a technical qualification and an industry placement with an employer.
At the GWH NHS FT successful T Level placement students spend Year 1 with the Volunteering Services team and Year 2 with their specialist hosting team. We work closely with local colleges to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.
Dare 2 Programme
Are you a year 12, T Level, A Level, NVQ 3 or equivalent student?
Welcome to Dare 2 Care at Great Western Hospital! Join us in person for a day packed with inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and gain an insight into the Healthcare Support Worker roles, care and nursing roles, Allied Health Professional roles and Midwifery roles. Understand how you can contribute to making a difference. Are you ready to take the plunge? Dare 2 Care with us! If you are interested please email gwh.work.experience@nhs.net for more information about this free summer school programme.
Teacher Encounters
A teacher encounter provides an opportunity for teachers to engage directly with employers to see and learn about the different career pathways relevant to their subjects, and to observe how their subject is applied practically in business.
Teachers can then meaningfully use these insights to enrich their curriculum teaching, helping their students build a deeper understanding of opportunities, connections between learning and industry and the essential skills that need to be honed for different roles. There are a number of pathways and routes into employment, in particular technical and vocational options like apprenticeships. This knowledge can empower educators to effectively support students to take their best next step. If you are interested please email gwh.work.experience@nhs.net for more information.
Industry Encounter Days
Industry Encounter Days are bespoke events that promote employability skills and provide an insight into the range of careers and opportunities at the GWH NHS FT and visit the working environment at the GWHS NHS FT. Industry Encounter Days allow Level 2 students to have an opportunity to talk to existing members of a range of teams, clinical and non-clinical, take part in practical activities, and attend a CV Clinic.
Careers & Apprenticeship Community Roadshow
The Annual Careers & Apprenticeships Community Roadshow is an event designed to help students explore future career opportunities and apprenticeship pathways. With interactive resources and skilled, experienced staff on hand, attendees can engage in conversations about their goals and career aspirations. The roadshow will be visiting local schools throughout Swindon, providing valuable insights and guidance to help students make informed decisions about their futures.
Contact
Email: gwh.work.experience@nhs.net