Work experience
We offer work experience for young people in both clinical and non-clinical departments.
Apply for work experience
If you’re interested in a work experience placement at our Trust, you can check availability by contacting:
- one of our consultants
- the department or service you’d like to work in
- a specific ward or unit you’d like to work on
If they can offer you a placement, they will make arrangements for you.
You must be in year 11 or above, and either lives or study in Gloucestershire. Mature students are welcomed, but we cannot accommodate long-term placement requests.
If you're a student applying to Medicine
The Medical Schools Council has information on making an application.
Work experience placements
Dietetics
Our dietitians translate the science of nutrition to improve health and treat diseases/conditions, by educating and giving practical, personalised advice to clients, patients, carers and colleagues. We work as part of multi-disciplinary teams across all areas of the hospital. The nutrition and dietetics service offers a taster- day experience twice yearly which is suitable for students planning to apply for a registered dietetic undergraduate or postgraduate university course.
IT services
The Countywide IT Service provides computer and telecoms support to the NHS across Gloucestershire. Depending on current project work and supervisor capacity, the Gloucestershire NHS Countywide IT Service is not always able to host work experience placements.
Medical physics
Medical physics involves the application of science and technology to patient care. Although the department does not offer work experience placements it is possible to spend half a day visiting the various departments, which will provide an overview of the profession and the chance to meet staff. If you are in year 12 and above studying science or maths, and are considering a career in medical physics, a visit to the department may be valuable.
Neurophysiology
Neurophysiologists use computers, electrical, magnetic and electronics to diagnose and monitor neurological disorders. If you are studying science and considering a healthcare career, a work experience placement could be helpful. A typical work placement includes a day shadowing staff in the department, and provides the opportunity to meet staff. Opportunities for work placements are limited, but we welcome applications from students considering a career in neurophysiology.
Pharmacy work experience and summer placements
Work experience and summer placements in pharmacy are currently on hold.
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Our physiotherapists assess, treat and manage a wide range of problems associated with different systems of the body. Students in year 12 who are studying A levels, and mature students with relevant qualifications, interested in a career in physiotherapy can apply for a one day taster day at Cheltenham General or Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. You can also apply if you’re in year 11, as long as you will be in year 12 or above at the time of your placement. We do receive a large number of requests, so placements are limited.
Radiography
Radiography is an imaging technique using x-rays, gamma rays, and radiation to see internal injuries or illnesses. Students over the age of 16, and people studying relevant A levels, who are interested in a radiography career can apply for a work shadowing or taster day in Diagnostic Imaging at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Placements are limited, and restricted to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Radiotherapy
Therapy radiographers accurately plan and treat cancer patients, using high energy x-rays. Students in year 12 and above, studying the relevant A levels, and interested in a radiotherapy career can apply for work shadowing and taster days at Cheltenham General Hospital, Radiotherapy department.
Restricted work experience requests
The following departments may also be able to accept work experience placements, but there are age restrictions in place:
- theatres: 17 years and over, unless authorised by the Matron
- paediatrics: 17 years and over
- neonatal and special care babies unit: 18 years and over
Pathology
The Pathology laboratories are usually able to offer a limited number of work experience placements each year.
Find out more about pathology work experience and laboratory tours.
Contacts
For the specific departments listed above, these are the contacts that organise work experience for their areas:
| Department | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Dietetics | claire.oldale@nhs.net |
| IT services | ghn-tr.itadmin.team@nhs.net |
| Medical physics | tony.dix@nhs.net |
| Neurophysiology | vashti.bond@nhs.net. Placements are put on hold at present. |
| Physiotherapy and occupational therapy | donna.bevan@nhs.net |
| Radiography | dolly.cox@nhs.net |
| Radiotherapy | ghn-tr.careers@nhs.net |
Online alternatives to work experience
The National Work Experience Resource Catalogue is a free repository which includes information about: different roles in the NHS; Apprenticeships; career quiz; career planning; how to apply for a job; top tips on getting that all-important application and interview spot-on; work experience ideas; real life stories; videos and so on.