“Today was great. I was able to actually go into the homes of the elderly and watch how equipment really makes a difference in improving physio for individuals who find it difficult to move around.I was able to interact with a wide range of healthcare professionals and I also helped lead a balance class at a residential care home. My mentor for the day was very helpful and answered all my questions.”
Work experience, T Levels and supported internships
Deciding on your future career is a big step, especially if you are wondering which direction to take. We are delighted to support a range of work placements to help you gain first-hand experience in the NHS. We will guide you through the various pathways available, helping you understand your options and discover the passion that will help you achieve your potential.
Work experience
Work experience is a brilliant way to discover what it is like working in the NHS and find out more about the wide variety of roles available - there are over 350 different ones to choose from!
Although work experience is unpaid, a placement at the Royal Devon will help pave the way forwards for your future career. You'll be based on a particular ward, office or reception area, learning about important processes including infection control and confidentiality.
Virtual work experience resources
Medic Mentor
Medic Mentor is a non-profit national medical organisation for applying students, medical students and doctors. They specialise in helping applying students get into medicine. They offer virtual work experience, which is a 30 hour commitment from a pupil over 6 months. Pupils receive a certificate and they have a journal to complete for reflection, it covers 3 patient journeys: geriatric/adult and paediatric. Medic Mentor is run by a UK-wide network of volunteer doctors who provide UCAS support and teach medical students how to become successful future doctors and NHS leaders. Visit the Medic Mentor website.
Danny’s Journey
This is an animated video by Health Education England that follows Danny, who injures his leg playing football. This animation will explore his treatment and show him meeting various healthcare staff. View the Danny’s Journey video.
ICould
Icould.com uses the power of personal stories to inform young people’s career choices. Run by the Education and Employers charity as part of Inspiring the Future theme, icould.com can be used as a standalone resource or to support inspiring the Future’s core activities. Free and simple to use, icould.com features over 1000 videos of people talking about their careers – explaining their job role, career path, and how different factors have shaped their direction. Visit the ICould website.
Discover General Practice
Observe GP is an alternative to work experience for aspiring medics aged 16 and over, who are living in the UK. It is a free interactive video platform providing insights into the role of a GP and the wider primary care team. Visit the website.
NHS Health Careers
Discover the 350 careers available in the NHS. Find useful tools, tips and exercises that can help you take the next step into a career in the NHS. Visit the NHS Health Careers website.
Work experience opportunities
Work experience
Find out how to get work experience at the Royal Devon.
Where will I be working?
We offer clinical and non-clinical work experience, involving patient contact, to individuals aged 16 years and over, for a maximum of four weeks. This includes a range of exciting opportunities, from Physiotherapy and Medicine to Radiology and more. We are unable to offer experience in areas such as pathology, paediatrics and theatres.
Those under 16 years may complete work experience in a non-clinical area, for a maximum of four weeks. We also have a huge variety of non-clinical roles.
You can find out more about our clinical services by exploring our A-Z, or get in touch to discuss what options are available for non-clinical roles.
Medical Work Experience 24th of June - 27th June 2024 (Exeter)
This is an exciting opportunity for year 12 students who aspire to go to medical school.
Come along and attend workshops run by consultants and medical staff, and discover different specialties as you shadow healthcare professionals within a selection of departments.
The application can be accessed via this link and is open to year 12 students attending local sixth forms and colleges.
Industrial Placements (aged between 16 and 19 year olds)
Health
Students studying a Health T Level may be specialising in Nursing, Mental Health or Midwifery. Having completed an application and interview process to secure a place, students will spend 45 days with an employer, during their 2-year course. In this time, they will observe initially and then develop skills (under direct supervision) to aid them in their future roles. This can include: communicating with patients, preparing patient areas plus undertaking patient observations.
Management and Administration
This provides students studying a T Level in Management and Administration will have an opportunity to carry out placements in the workplace for young people who are interested in developing a career within the National Health Service.
Having completed an application and interview process to secure a place, students will spend 45 days in the Trust during their 2-year course. Students are given the chance to work alongside professionals from a number of different departments. Having completed an application and interview process to secure a place, students will spend 45 days in the Trust during their 2-year course. Placements will be in a variety of non-clinical areas highlighting the many various functions offered by the back-office services across the Trust.
BTEC - Health
The Health and Care Academy provides real-life ‘as it happens’ work placement opportunities for young people who are interested in developing a career in the NHS. Based within our Northern services, students are given the chance to work alongside practitioners from a number of different healthcare professions. If you are studying in Year 12 or 13 at a school or college in North Devon, you can submit an application letter. Following an interview process, successful candidates enter a rotational placement for 10/12 weeks.
Case study
Sinead West, Care Academy student
Supported internships, Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH is a new scheme that gives young people aged 18-24 with learning disabilities a unique opportunity to gain work experience. Interns are supported by an instructor and a job coach who are onsite and available throughout the working week.
Project SEARCH
Find out more
If you are interested in a supported internship, apply now.
Pluss
Pluss supports thousands of people with disabilities and other disadvantages move into employment each year. You can find out more about Project SEARCH on their website.
Case study
Callum, Domestic Services Assistant and Alex, Estates team
Callum has a permanent paid role at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford) as a Domestic Services Assistant. Callum was recognised in our ‘Faces Awards’ scheme, winning the category of ‘Valued Team Member’ in December 2019.
Alex undertook an internship with the RDE and is now a confident, paid member of staff within the Estates team. Alex was recognised for his success at the Exeter College Student Awards 2020 when he won the ‘Skills for Life’ Award.
