Student placements are for the purposes of education, personal development and/or acquiring knowledge of roles being considered for future careers. We will give students the opportunity to gain a real sense of what it’s like to work in clinical or non clinical settings to decide whether it’s the right career path for them.
We are now offering a blended approach of Face to Face placements, Virtual sessions and Open days. The combination of these options give all students an excellent opportunity to develop skills in their chosen career, gain a wealth of experience as well as the ability to gain an insight to working life. It also gives us an opportunity to develop a future generation of potential employees.
To support schools and colleges, we work in partnership with Work Inspiration (BITC), who co-ordinate student requests on our behalf. Further information can be found on the Work Inspiration website by clicking here. Check out our storyboards for an insight to different careers by clicking here.
Our work experience placements are in very high demand. If you are interested in joining us please speak to your careers teacher or advisor who must submit a request to us via Work Inspiration on your behalf. Please note that priority is given to those who live or are being educated within the Southern Trust catchment area.
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What is a Work Experience Placement?
A Work Experience Placement is an opportunity for a Post Primary student at school (16-19 years old), or a student in Further Education/Training working towards a Level 2/3 qualification.
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Is there a minimum age to be able to attend work experience?
The minimum age for work experience is 16 years old.
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How can I apply for work experience?
Students interested in a work experience placement at the Southern Trust must discuss their expression of interest with their school/college Careers Teacher/Advisor. The Careers Teacher/Advisor should submit a formal referral to the Work Inspiration Programme, who works in partnership with the Trust to ensure fair and equitable placement requests.
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How many days’ work experience can I get?
Our work experience is typically from 1 to 5 days depending on the students request and work place area availability. We receive a large number of requests for work experience each year and aim to fulfil as many requests as we can.
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What is the Dress Code for student placements?
Students should ensure they are appropriately dressed for a professional workplace. In particular, we have a strict dress code for nursing placements to promote effective infection control and to enable employees and visitors to identify students on placement. Guidance on dress code and other important information about your work experience placement will be provided to you before you are due to attend.
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What happens if I am unwell or unable to attend work experience?
Please do not attend work experience if you are unwell or a close contact of someone who has symptoms or tested positive for an illness such as Covid-19, or Vomiting and /or Diarrhoea within past 48 hours please contact your careers teacher and/or Work Inspiration to advise that you will not be attending work experience. If appropriate, we will attempt to re-arrange your work experience but cannot guarantee that we can provide you with another opportunity.
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Can I register to volunteer as well?
Yes, volunteering is another great way to build experience and confidence in a workplace. We have many volunteer roles that will help you learn more about patient care and working in a healthcare setting. Click here for more information on Volunteering.
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Elective placements for students?
We have a tripartite agreement in conjunction with the Department of Health with Ulster University and Queens University Belfast to provide structured work placements for students enrolled on their healthcare courses. If you are a student at any other university and wish to request an elective placement, please contact the relevant professional lead or education facilitator at the Southern Trust so they can advise on the information needed in order to consider your request.
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Who can I contact for more information on placements?
Please contact the Placement Advisor via email: placements@southerntrust.hscni.net