Work Experience

Three young woman at a work experience event

Work Experience at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust (BWC) is provided through the Aspire Academy.

The Aspire Academy provides a wide range of programmes to connect our communities with our workforce and NHS careers.

Work Experience is a fantastic way of enhancing your knowledge about the different career opportunities available in the NHS while gaining valuable experience, supporting you in making informed decisions about career choices.

At BWC, we support individuals in undertaking work experience in both clinical (for those aged 16 and above) and non-clinical (for those aged 14 and above) departments.

If you are looking for NHS career inspiration, take the 'Step Into the NHS' test.

Further information around NHS careers can be found in the NHS Careers A to Z.

Benefits of work experience at BWC

  • Increase your knowledge of different careers on offer at BWC.
  • Gain real-life insight into the career pathway you are considering.
  • Find out about the world of work in a healthcare setting.
  • Develop self-confidence to support your objectives and goals.
  • Gain experience working in a Team whilst developing a range of communication skills.

What you should know before applying for work experience

  • BWC is an inclusive employer that celebrates the diversity of its communities.  We welcome applications from individuals who reside in or attend an educational institution within the Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell and Black Country catchment area.
  • All aspects of the application form must be completed (Don’t forget to include your full address, including the Postcode)
  • In your initial email/application, ensure you state the department or area that you would like to be considered for.
  • Students must meet the age requirement of the departments they have chosen.
  • We do not offer work experience placements during the school holidays and weekends
  • The maximum duration for Work experience is 2 weeks.  We suggest including alternative dates on the application form and be mindful that departments may provide a shorter duration than that requested
  • Our WEX is a shadowing and observation opportunity
  • If your enquiry relates to a T-Levels or Elective placement, please refer to the Useful Resources below

Demand for our Work Experience programme is high and we are proud of the support we provide. Please be aware that completion of the application form for work experience placement does not guarantee a place on the programme, and we might not be able to match your requirements to the placements we have on offer.

We receive a large volume of emails regarding work experience placements. We might not be able to respond to all emails personally; however, you will receive an acknowledgement that will provide you with a comprehensive resource and information guide.

BWC Work Experience FAQs

Useful Resources

Work Experience Placement

Please email bwc.workexperience@nhs.net for any information or work experience queries.

Medical Placements

To organise elective undergraduate medical placements at Birmingham Women’s & Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, please email bwc.ugmepaeds@nhs.net 

To organise elective undergraduate Obs & Gynae placements at Birmingham Women’s & Children`s NHS Foundation Trust, please email bwc.ugmeobsandgynae@nhs.net

Healthcare Degree Placements

Please email bwc.nmetplacements@nhs.net to discuss placement opportunities at Birmingham Women's & Children's NHS Foundation Trust. 

Physiotherapy Placements/Work Experience

Please email bwc.bchphysio.wex@nhs.net to discuss placement/Work Experience opportunities at Birmingham Women's & Children's NHS Foundation Trust.     

Occupational Therapy/Work Experience

Please email bwc.wexot@nhs.net to discuss placement/Work Experience opportunities at Birmingham Women's & Children's NHS Foundation Trust.   

Volunteering

Please email bwc.volunteers@nhs.net to discuss Volunteering opportunities at Birmingham Women's & Children's NHS Foundation Trust.    

Apprenticeships and Job Vacancies

You can apply for any of our vacancies by visiting NHS Jobs. Vacancies are advertised as and when they become available.     

Email BWC Team via bwc.apprenticeships@nhs.net for more information