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Work experience overview

Work Experience Overview

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.

Opportunities are available in: 

We offer work shadowing experience placements for both clinical and non-clinical roles, allowing students to gain valuable experience in various areas of 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: 

If you're seeking an elective placement, please see the section further below for details on how to apply. 

Local Priority:

To support the local community and suit capacity, priority for placements will be given to students living and studying within the Trust’s main catchment area. This includes establishments within Cambridgeshire and just over the boarder including Haverhill, Newmarket and Saffron Walden. If you are unsure if this includes you, please email cuh.workexperience.addenbrookes.nhs.net  

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). 

Medical Elective Placements, Erasmus Programme & Internships:

For information on medical elective placements and the Erasmus programme, please visit the following links provided by the University of Cambridge Clinical School of Medicine: 

Note: Overseas students seeking medical internships should contact the specific department directly for availability. If successful, the Clinical School of Medicine will assist with the application process. 

Nursing Elective Placements:

For nursing elective placements, please contact the Clinical Education Team directly to arrange your placement. cuh.ineedhelponplacement@nhs.net

Biomedical Science Elective Placements: 

These are not available at CUH unless studying at Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge 

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 - 28-05-2025 05:44