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Work experience overview

Work Experience Overview

Introduction

The NHS is the fifth largest employer in the world, and there are around 350 different job roles within the NHS as a whole. CUH provides numerous opportunities for gaining insight into healthcare careers, including finance, office roles, estates and facilities and science. As one of the leading teaching hospitals in the UK, we aim to inspire students to explore the wide range of roles available.

Local Community

To support the local community and capacity, priority for placements will be given to students living and studying within the Trust’s main catchment area. We work closely with colleges and schools to ensure there is access to students.

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) is committed to supporting social mobility and widening participation in healthcare careers.

We recognise that talent and potential are found in all communities, and we are committed to helping remove barriers that may prevent people from exploring careers in healthcare.

We recognise that not all young people have equal access to work experience, professional networks, career guidance or opportunities to learn about healthcare professions. Through our work experience, work shadowing, insight programmes and outreach activities, we aim to provide meaningful opportunities for people from a wide range of backgrounds to explore careers within the NHS.

We work closely with schools, colleges and community partners across our catchment area to raise awareness of the many career pathways available within healthcare. This includes careers events, school visits, assemblies, insight programmes and targeted engagement with groups who may face additional barriers to accessing career opportunities.

As one of the UK's leading teaching hospitals, we are committed to helping build a future workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. When applications exceed placement capacity, we may give additional consideration to applicants who face barriers in accessing work experience opportunities, including:

  • Care experienced young people
  • Young carers
  • Students eligible for free school meals
  • Applicants from groups that are underrepresented in healthcare careers
  • Other individuals who may experience social, economic or educational disadvantage
  • Protected characteristics

We are also committed to supporting adults who are outside of education and exploring employment, training or career change opportunities into healthcare careers through partnership programmes and community initiatives delivered with organisations such as the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

Our aim is not only to support future doctors, nurses, radiographers and healthcare professionals, but to increase awareness of the hundreds of rewarding careers available across the NHS and help individuals make informed decisions about their future education and career pathways.

In addition to managing applications, CUH actively works with schools, colleges and partner organisations to encourage participation from students who may not traditionally have access to healthcare career opportunities.

We offer work shadowing placements and insight programmes for students interested in exploring both clinical and non-clinical careers, helping them gain valuable experience and understanding of the wide range of opportunities available within healthcare.

For specific work experience information please click on the ones below or return to the previous page and select one of the following options:

Other ways to develop skills, experience and knowledge of NHS careers include:

Widening Participation:

CUH is committed to working with local schools and colleges to develop our workforce for the future. We strive to make CUH a welcoming and supportive environment with accessible links across the county. As well as schools we can have opportunities to support other people in certain categories. If you are a school/college or employment support enterprise and would like to discuss opportunities, please contact our team at 01223 250887. 

Other Useful Careers Information

Step into the NHS:

For an audience up to 19-year-olds, this is an interactive platform that introduces various NHS careers. This tool helps you discover which roles might suit you. Visit Step into the NHS (opens in a new tab). 

Health Careers

Similar to above, aimed at an older audience and includes information about apprenticeships available in the broad NHS Health Careers | (opens in a new tab)

For Schools:
Resources for teachers at different key stages are available through Step into the NHS – For Schools. Explore resources for schools (opens in a new tab). 

Ambulance Service:

If you're considering a career in the ambulance service, there is a wealth of information available on the East Anglian Ambulance website. Learn more about the Ambulance Service (opens in a new tab). 

HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council):

HCPC regulates 15 health and care professions. They ensure professionals meet standards in education, training, and practice to protect the public. Learn more about HCPC (opens in a new tab). 

Contact Details:

If you would like more information about career options or available apprenticeships, please contact: 

For further queries, contact the Work Opportunities Team at 01223-250887

Work experience students around a bed watching a demonstration

This document was correct at the time of printing - 23-09-2026 00:25