Work placements and volunteering

Work placements in the NHS

Work placements offer you an opportunity to observe individuals or teams carrying out tasks and activities. They can be delivered online or in person.

You may get the opportunity to do some of these tasks yourself under supervision, depending on the area you are working in.

What you can expect from a work placement

A work placement will provide you with an insight into a range of healthcare jobs and workplace settings. It could help you decide if a career in healthcare is for you. You will also:

• Work with other people in healthcare, which will help to build your confidence.
• Gain skills and experience that you can write about on future job application forms.
• Meet a range of people who may be able to give you a reference in the future.

Work placement opportunities may also exclude some roles and environments.

In-person work placements

NHSScotland Health Boards support in-person work placements, but they may be limited in duration and restricted to intakes or dates. To find out about in-person work placements in your area, contact your local health board. 

If you’re at college or university, their careers service will signpost you to opportunities in the NHS.

Online opportunities

For online events, check out Skills Development Scotland’s Marketplace.

Benefits of volunteering

There are lots of volunteering opportunities across the NHS, from supporting and chatting with patients to helping at mealtimes and guiding people through the hospital.

Volunteers in the NHS tell us that they feel valued and appreciated. Volunteering gives them a huge sense of pride and satisfaction. It also improves the wellbeing of the people they help.

As a volunteer, you'll also learn new skills, gain healthcare experience, and get all the training and support you need.

How to become a volunteer

To become a volunteer, you must be over 16 years old. You'll also need to:

• Complete an application form and provide 2 references.
• Make a commitment to volunteering for a minimum period of time.
• Apply for basic disclosure or have a standard disclosure certificate issued by Disclosure Scotland.

Depending on the role, you may need to wear a uniform and badge so you're easily identified as a volunteer. You may also need an occupational health check.