Our Work Experience Programme

We run a work experience programme twice a year offering students placements in a variety of teams across the Trust.

Completing a work experience placement with us can be very fulfilling. It can provide you with an insight into the work we do and give you the knowledge and experience to take your first steps towards a fulfilling career in the NHS.

Our placements start with an induction day at our Trust Headquarters in Worthing where we will meet with you and introduce you to the team you will be working with and outline your schedule for the week. 

Below is a quote from one of our fantastic work placement students:

First off, you are in good hands! Good job for signing up – not many people get an experience like this in for such a big organisation like the NHS.

My advice to you is to be confident. Ask the questions (no question is a stupid question!). As well as this talk to the staff! Let them know what you want to do in the future – you could get the opportunity of a lifetime.

Remember, this work experience is an investment to your future. Use it wisely!

Most of all, have fun!

 

What happens after I submit my application?

Once you’ve submitted your application, our Work Experience Team will review it. If you are shortlisted, we’ll start looking for a suitable team for your placement.

You’ll hear from us by email within three weeks of the closing date to let you know the outcome of your application. If you don’t see an email from us by then, please check your junk or spam folder.

If you are offered a placement, you’ll need to reply to the email to let us know you’re happy to go ahead. Once you’ve accepted, we’ll send you another email with two links: a placement agreement and a consent form. These will need to be completed and signed. If you’re under 16, a parent or carer will also need to sign the consent form.

Because we receive lots of applications, placement offers can only be held for one week. If we don’t hear back from you by the date in the offer email, the placement will be withdrawn and offered to someone on our reserve list.

We’re here to support you throughout the process. If you have any questions or need help, you can contact us at spft.wex@nhs.net.

If you need an application form posted or emailed to you, just let us know using the contact details above. Once you receive the form, it’s important that you return it to us before the deadline for the next cohort.

Where will my work experience placement take place?

We’ll try our best to place you in a team that matches your career interests or what you’ve told us you’d like to learn more about. While this isn’t always possible, we will do our best to find you a suitable placement in another team where you can still gain valuable experience.

Our teams are based across Sussex. If you are offered a placement, we’ll let you know where it will be and provide details such as directions and public transport information, where available.

On your application form, you can tell us if there are certain locations you’re unable to travel to. We’ll take this into account wherever possible when allocating placements.

How we shortlist applications

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and to providing fair and accessible work experience opportunities. Applications are shortlisted through a transparent process that takes into account practical considerations such as an applicant’s location and ability to travel to the placement. In some circumstances, age-related requirements may apply to ensure placements are safe, appropriate and supportive.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and value the different experiences and perspectives they bring. As part of the shortlisting process, we consider applicants’ stated areas of interest and statements of intent, particularly their motivation for applying and how the placement may support their learning, development or future aspirations. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments where possible and encourage applicants to let us know if they require any support during the application or placement process.