What happens after I email the work experience team?
The team will ask you a few questions, if you have secured a placement with a department, they will then send you an application form to fill out.
My school is doing a work experience week, and I need to have my placement details confirmed in advance. What should I do?
f your application form has been successful, we will ensure all your clearances are done 3 to 6 weeks before commencing placement. You can show your school the acceptance email as confirmation that a placement has been offered. Please give as much notice as possible and try to avoid peak times (June to August) due to the high volume of requests.
Do you work with my school?
We have a list of schools we usually work with, but we will still consider your application form if your school is not on the list.
We give priority to schools within a 5 mile radius of each of our hospitals:
- Good Hope Hospital
- Heartlands Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
- Solihull Hospital
Which year groups are eligible for work experience and are there any restrictions?
Pupils from years 10 to 11 who have an interest in working within a healthcare setting are eligible to apply for our “Insight into the NHS” work experience. Once the dates have been arranged, we email out to the local schools with this information and open applications.
All students 14 to 16 years of age and in school Year 10 and 11 are not permitted in any clinical areas including clinics, ward areas, theatres or radiology. They are only able to access admin placements.
Pupils in Years 12 and 13 may apply for hands-on work experience placements, subject to availability.
All students must be aged 17 or over, or be in Year 12 or above, to access placements within theatre or critical care areas.
All placements are subject to availability, and completing a form does not guarantee you a placement.
If you are under 18 then you will need to obtain permission from a responsible adult, guardian or parent to take part in work experience.
Will I receive a reference for attending work experience?
In your information email that is sent out there is a student placement diary. We encourage you to complete and get signed off each day. This serves as evidence of your placement and can be used to support reflection when completing UCAS applications, personal statements, or future job applications. If you will require a reference, we advise you seek prior approval from your supervisor and obtain this before you leave your placement.
Last reviewed: 13 July 2026