The NHS has over 350 different career possibilities in clinical and non-clinical areas and each one makes a difference every day.
Work experience gives those interested in working within the NHS the opportunity to gain a valuable insight into their future career through observing what happens during the hospital day, the work of NHS multi-disciplinary teams and the attitudes, behaviours and values that are expected in a healthcare setting. Shadowing our teams, you will have the opportunity to see first-hand what is involved in the role you are considering and to ask your own questions.
Work experience opportunities are highly competitive, places are limited. The Trust receives a high level of requests each year. We regret we are unable to place all students who contact us.
We recommend you have researched your career ideas before applying:
· Virtual work experience:
Placements for University of Reading students are through the university. Please speak to your Placements Officer to enquire.
For medical students/doctors requesting a Clinical Attachment please contact medicaleducationenquiries@royalberkshire.nhs.uk
For Physicians Associates work experience please contact the team via the South East School of Physicians Associates
We are unable to offer placements within Psychology, Psychiatry, Paramedics, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Drama Therapy, Dietetics, Social Work or Mental Health.
Each year Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust hosts an Introduction to Medicine Day for Yr 12s applying to study medicine. This year the event will be on 11 March 2026.
Information will be sent to local schools and colleges for students to apply to attend in February 2026.
Please read carefully:
Applications will open from 1 September.
Applicants must be able attend on the placement date.
For medicine we can only accept applications during the applications periods.
To request an application form for medicine please contact medicineworkexperience@royalberkshire.nhs.uk during the applications periods.
We will get back to successful applicants within 2 weeks of the closing dates. If you have not received a response within 2 weeks we regret your application has not been successful.
For all other placement areas work experience applications will open on 1 September and will close when the available placement dates for this academic year are full. Please check tabs for any updates. Placements dates vary according to the area of interest. Places are limited.
To enquire about an area of interest contact healthcareworkexperience@royalberkshire.nhs.uk.
Medicine placements are for maximum of 3 days. Days will be allocated to successful students during the following placement weeks:
Nursing placements will be for a maximum of 5 days.
Allied Health Professions – 1 day placements in the following AHP areas – Operating Department Practitioner, Occupational Therapy, Orthoptics, Radiography, Speech & Language Therapy. Placements are on set dates, once a month.
1 day placement and pre-placement visit. Applicants are allocated a day during the placement weeks.
Cohort 1 – placements dates are during the week of 25 May 2026
Cohort 2 – placement dates are during the week of 27 July 2026
Adult placements are offered at different times of the year depending on the capacity of the hosting department at the time.
We regret that due to the high number of requests for placements, if you are a university student we are only able placements in the area of your current study.
Please contact healthcareworkexperience@royalberkshire.nhs.uk.
Our Youth Forum (age 15 to 24years) aims to get the views of young people in our local community heard. As a member of the youth forum, you can help to make changes and influence hospital decisions to improve services for young people and future generations.
Members will share their views at regular meetings and attend workshops and to take part in additional opportunities such as interview panels and projects.
There's more information on our Youth Forum information sheet.
Please download and complete the Youth Forum expression of interest form to register, or for enquiries contact YouthForum@royalberkshire.nhs.uk
Please read carefully.
Applications will open from 1 September 2025.
Applicants must be able attend on the placement date.
For medicine we can only accept applications during the applications periods.
To apply for medicine please contact medicineworkexperience@royalberkshire.nhs.uk during the applications periods.
For all other placement areas work experience applications will open on 1 September and will close when the available placement dates for this academic year are full. Please check tabs for any updates. Placements dates vary according to the area of interest. Places are limited.
To enquire about an area of interest contact healthcareworkexperience@royalberkshire.nhs.uk
