Our work experience placements are a valuable opportunity to develop confidence and skills, such as time management, organisation and gain an insight into workplace culture. Each year we offer around 300 placements to local students, and those looking for a career change.
We offer work experience placements in set cohorts throughout the year. Places on the cohorts are subject to department availability and are allocated on a first come first serve basis. Due to other learners and rotations in the trust, we can only accommodate work experience on the dates below:
| Work Experience Cohort Date | Applications Open | Applications Close |
|---|---|---|
| 31st March – 4th April 2025 | 16th December 2024 | 5th January 2025 |
| 7th April – 11th April 2025 | 23rd December 2024 | 12th January 2025 |
| 27th May – 30th May 2025 | 10th February 2025 | 2nd March 2025 |
| 28th July – 1st August 2025 | 14th April 2025 | 4th May 2025 |
| 11th August – 15th August 2025 | 28th April 2025 | 18th May 2025 |
| 26th August – 29th August 2025 | 12th May 2025 | 1st June 2025 |
| 27th October – 31st October 2025 | 14th July 2025 | 3rd August 2025 |
| 16th February - 20th February 2026 | 3rd November 2025 | 23rd November 2025 |
What Work Experience Does DBTH Offer?
We offer clinical and non-clinical placements in numerous departments within the hospital, such as Medicine, Nursing, and Admin. Please be aware we cannot offer clinical placements to under 16s, however, there are various non-clinical departments where you can undertake work experience. Certain areas cannot accept work experience placements.
Areas that cannot accept work experience:
- Theatres
- Maternity
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Pathology
- Ambulance Service (this service is not run by our trust)
- Mental Health/Psychology (this service is not run by our trust)
Areas with restrictions:
- X-Ray – must be 18+
- A&E – must be 18+
How Do I Apply for Work Experience at DBTH?
You will need to download and complete the Work Experience Application Form here. We recommend you contact your GP to obtain a copy of your vaccination record, as you will need this later for your Occupational Health clearance.
Step 1: Download the work experience application form, and complete all sections (if not applicable state N/A). Please note incomplete forms will be declined.
Step 2: Return your completed application form during the appropriate application window for the work experience cohort you would like to participate in. Completed forms need to be returned to dbth.workexperience@nhs.net
Step 3: Your request will be reviewed by the team and you will receive an email advising the outcome of your application. If your application is successful you will continue onto Step 4.
Step 4: You will receive an Occupational Health Link to complete. Please complete by the deadline given and upload your vaccine information. In some circumstances, you may be asked to attend an in-person appointment with the Occupational Health team.
Please note at this stage requests are not confirmed as placements are to be arranged and department availability is subject to change.
Please be aware if you do not complete the Occupational Health link by the deadline given your request will be cancelled. This is due to the time it takes to complete clearances/organise placements. Without this clearance, you will be unable to undertake work experience.
Step 5: Once the team receives your Occupational Health clearance, and has confirmed your work experience placement, you will be sent your placement agreement (this document confirms your placement area/details). This will be approximately 2 weeks before the start of your placement. You will also be sent a confidentiality form and a photography consent form to sign.
If you are under 18 your forms will also need to be signed by a parent or guardian.
Step 6: Attend your allocated work experience induction at the trust, making sure you bring your signed forms. Once you have completed your induction you will be able to start your placement.
You must email dbth.workexperience@nhs.net if at any point you can no longer attend your allocated work experience cohort/do not wish for your application for work experience to be processed any further.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t live in the Doncaster/Bassetlaw area, can I still apply?
Unfortunately, due to capacity, applicants must live within the Doncaster or Bassetlaw area to be considered for work experience.
What will my placement involve?
It will depend on the area you have requested what types of activities you will observe. Please note that work experience is observational only.
Is there an age requirement?
Learners must be 14+ for non-clinical areas and 16+ for clinical areas. Some areas are 18+. There is no upper age limit.
Is work experience just for students/do I need to be enrolled on a course?
No, work experience is also open to adults, for example looking to make a career change. Please note regardless of age or experience all work experience placements are observational.
What is Occupational Health Clearance?
As part of the trust policy, all work experience students must undertake Occupational Health clearance. This involves completing an online link and answering questions about your health. You will also be required to attach your vaccination record – you can obtain a copy of this from your GP.
If you are asked to attend an appointment, you must attend at the scheduled time. Any delays with clearance will result in your placement being withdrawn.
Do I need a DBS check?
No, you will not require a DBS for a short placement as you will be supervised at all times.
Can I complete my work experience at the weekend?
No, we only offer work experience on the set dates outlined in the table. Monday – Friday 09:00 – 16:00 (excluding bank holidays).
A family member works at the hospital and has agreed that I can complete some work experience with a colleague.
You will need to submit your request as per the usual process. Applications are on a first come first serve basis to ensure equal opportunities for everyone.
Will I have an induction?
All learners will take part in a work experience induction on the first day and learners will also take part in an evaluation session on the last day at DRI.
What hours will my placement be?
Learners will normally be expected to work the standard hours of the host department (daytime core hours 09:00-16:00). You must arrive on time each day, and return on time after lunch, staff are very busy and will not want to waste time waiting. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to find your way to where you are working.
If for any reason you are unable to attend your work experience placement, you must email dbth.workexperience@nhs.net giving your reason. If you attend school or college you will also need to let them know. Lack of attendance may result in your placement being withdrawn.
Is there somewhere to buy lunch?
Meals are available in the hospital dining room at a cost or you can bring your own packed lunch. Facilities at each site can be viewed here.
Where can I park?
You can find parking information along with information about free shuttle buses between sites here.
What should I wear?
- All learners will be given a Work Experience polo shirt to wear whilst on placement.
- Clean and well presented
- Long hair to be tied back
- Sensible shoes, trainers acceptable (no sandals/ toe exposure)
- No denim
- No shorts
- Skirt lengths must be an appropriate length, trousers are most appropriate
- No nail varnish or false nails
- Minimal makeup
- No jewellery, other than small stud earrings. Wedding bands may be worn
- No chewing gum
- Learners must wear their polo shirt issued by the Trust at all times.
- Bare below the elbow (sleeves to be rolled up on Wards/Departments). This includes watches and bracelets.
I’ve applied for work experience, but have not been successful, can I re-apply for a future date?
Yes, all places are filled on a first come first serve basis. We recommend getting your application in as soon as the application window opens.
Quotes from Past Work Experience at DBTH
“It was a fantastic opportunity to get to talk to doctors about their job and experience it for myself. I really enjoyed talking to patients and hearing their stories, even more than I thought I would. I also could understand some of the challenges facing the NHS by being on a ward myself, seeing the effects of backlogs in social care and the struggles doctors faced with discharges as a result. This gave me a more realistic perspective to make an informed decision about the career, and prepared me for what I might experience in the future. Most of all, I felt the staff were so lovely, trying to give me opportunities, allowing me to ask them questions, and giving up their time. This reassured me that the NHS staff would be amazing people to work with, and that my personality would fit in.”
“It allowed me to see what exactly a pharmacist does in their job and how it’s a very large scientific field beyond community pharmacy. I was able to learn new things that I had no knowledge about before and was able to speak to pharmacists about what the job is like.”
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