NHS paid work experience
NHS paid work experience for age 18 and above for those who are not going to a university, lower socio-economic back-grounds or care leavers
The NHS Finance Insights placement scheme offers paid work experience in NHS organisations throughout England to individuals aged 18 and above, who do not plan to attend university and come from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
The scheme aims to attract diverse talent from local communities served by the NHS into the finance sector. It provides a 12-month experience in an entry-level (band 2) finance role, allowing candidates to develop new skills and gain on-the-job work experience. Upon completion of the placement, each candidate should feel well-prepared to apply for NHS opportunities, including apprenticeships or other entry-level roles, and be confident in transitioning to professional working environments.
The initiative aims to support young people aged 18+ from low-income families, and applicants interested must meet the following criteria:
- attending state school or college, minimum Grade C / 4 in GCSE Maths is desirable but not essential
- not planning on attending university
- the occupation of your main household earner is categorised as a lower socio-economic background
- have been eligible for free school meals at any point in the previous six years
Parental occupation classification is a national standard, for categorisation visit Social Mobility Works Toolkit.
Free School Meals are a statutory benefit available to school-aged children from families who receive other qualifying benefits and who have been through the relevant registration process. It does not include those who receive meals at school through other means e.g., boarding school.
We are also interested to hear about any extra-curricular activities and hobbies/interests that may
help support an application.
Applications are now open for the 2025-26 cohort. Click here to apply.
The scheme will run from September 2025 to September 2026.
This scheme operates across all 7 NHS regions in England, including the South West. Previously, four trainees started their placement in September 2024 across Bristol, where we piloted the scheme. These students are currently in post.
Starting from September 2025, there will be 7 placements available across the South West. The host organisations in the South West are:
- Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust - two placements available
- Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- North Bristol NHS Trust
- Somerset Integrated Care System
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
If you wish to learn more about the scheme in the South West, please contact charley.spicer@hfma.org.uk.
To find more information about NHS Finance Insight placements visit: NHS Finance Insights placement scheme - South West and NHS Finance Insights placement scheme - Midlands.
Share this page
