Work Experience

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

Before completing your application, please ensure that you are aware of the following:

• All sections of the application form must be completed. Please ensure you provide your full address, including postcode.
• Please clearly select the department or area you would like to be considered for.
• Students must meet the age requirements of the department they have selected.
• We do not offer work experience placements during school holidays or weekends.
• The maximum duration of work experience is two weeks. However, be mindful that departments may offer a shorter placement than the duration requested.
• Demand for our Work Experience Programme is high, and we are proud of the support we provide to young people and individuals exploring NHS careers. However, do note that applications are reviewed against the placements available, and we may not always be able to accommodate your preferred department, dates or requirements.
• Our work experience programme is primarily a shadowing and observation opportunity.
• If your enquiry relates to a T Level or elective placement, please refer to the relevant information in the Useful Resources section.

We receive a high volume of enquiries about work experience placements and, therefore, may not be able to respond to every email individually. However, you will receive an acknowledgement following your enquiry, which will include a comprehensive resource and information guide to help answer your questions.

We encourage you to explore the available information carefully before contacting the Work Experience Team.

Application period

The Centralised Work Experience Programme will be open for applications between September and February each year. Please be aware that the application window may close earlier if the maximum capacity for candidates is reached.

Following a review of submitted applications, successful applicants will be invited to undertake work experience between May and July. Successful applicants will normally be contacted between March and April.

How to apply for work experience

If you are interested in undertaking work experience at BWC, please complete our Work Experience Application Form by clicking the link below: Work Experience Application Form - Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust – Fill out form

BWC Work Experience FAQs