Blackboard with chalk writing of skill, training and knowledge

Work experience

Explore NHS Careers Through Work Experience at NELFT

Thinking about a career in healthcare? Whether you're a student exploring your options or an adult considering a new direction, NELFT offers a range of work experience opportunities designed to help you learn more about working within the NHS.

Eligibility

Essential criteria below:

  • For all placements the minimum age is 16 years old, 18 for mental health placements 
  • Study or reside in NELFT Borough’s: Redbridge, Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Waltham Forest, BB&T
  • Priority is given for secondary school pupils who require work experience for university applications or adults who are looking to change careers
  • For applicants under 18 years, you must have permission from your responsible adult. 

Placement Details:

  • Length of placement is two weeks maximum 
  • 6–8 weeks’ notice required for all placements 
  • All placements follow age‑restriction and safeguarding requirements

Adult learners

For adult learners and those serious about undertaking learning towards a health qualification with the view of pursuing a career within the NHS, we offer a limited number of placements that can offer the required exposure to your chosen career to aid you in your career decisions and support applications to learning providers.

Important information

  • Please note our placement numbers are limited and therefore we cannot guarantee a placement for every applicant 
  • We will not be able to consider incomplete applications or those not meeting our eligibility criteria 
  • All work experience requests must be processed through the NELFT Work Experience department 

If you require further information, please contact workexperience@nelft.nhs.uk 

Due to the high number of requests our external placement requests are currently closed

Majority of our placements for 16-18 years olds are managed through the STEP into the NHS Programme. These take place over three half term weeks throughout the year; next programme is planned for October 2026.

Check for further details here nearer the time