Virtual Work Experience

As an alternative to in person work experience, take a look at the virtual healthcare work experience programmes available.

Alternatives to In Person Work Experience

Mid and South Essex Industry Placement Hub is unable to meet the demands of all in person work experience requests. As an alternative, we offer the below virtual work experience programmes which are designed to give you more knowledge of what a career in health and care could look like.

Springpod Virtual Work Experience Programmes

Springpod partner with outstanding employers and educational institutions to create interactive, work-based learning experiences that empower students to demonstrate potential and take their future into their own hands by giving them equal access to opportunity.

Experiences are available in a variety of sectors and you can self register for these free opportunities and work through the modules of learning at your own pace. Springpod Virtual Work Experiences are available to anyone aged 13+.

Explore the fascinating realm of psychology with Springpod’s free virtual work experience. Delve into the intriguing history and diverse fields that shape our understanding of the human mind. If you’re passionate about deciphering what makes people tick, this programme is tailor-made for you. Gain insights into recognised and practiced fields of psychology, and uncover its grisly historical roots.

In this competitive field, Springpod will provide you with a valuable edge. Hear from professionals specialising in various disciplines, offering top tips for entering and thriving in the dynamic world of psychology. Join in to nurture your passion and gain a comprehensive view of the multifaceted field of psychology.

Modules available include: Forensic Psychology, Sports Psychology, Health Psychology and Clinical Psychology.

Available dates

On demand.

Find Out More and Register Here

In this programme, you’ll explore the key areas of healthcare science, from life sciences and physiological sciences to physical sciences, learning how these fields work together to improve patient care. You’ll also discover different career pathways in healthcare science, such as T-Levels, apprenticeships, and university courses, and how to choose the best route for you. Along the way, you’ll develop essential employability skills, including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, and learn how to prepare and apply for your next step in the industry.

Modules available include: Introduction to Healthcare Science, Meet the Healthcare Scientists, Early Careers Pathways, Preparing for a Career in Healthcare Science and Employability Skills.

Available dates

On demand.

Find Out More and Register Here

Healthcare Careers in Focus

The East of England Health & Care Academies have their Healthcare Careers in Focus YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing the real-life experiences of healthcare professionals across the East of England.

Developed collaboratively by the East of England Health and Care Academies, the channel is designed to support students and aspiring healthcare professionals considering a career in healthcare, offering them authentic insights into a wide range of roles and workplace settings.

Through a mix of full-length episodes and a shorter, engaging series, the channel provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to work in healthcare—helping learners connect classroom knowledge with real-world practice.

Access Healthcare Careers in Focus Here

NHS Careers Untapped

A group of London NHS organisations, together with NHS England, are excited to introduce NHS Careers Untapped—a series of podcasts, videos, and recorded webinars that shine a light on some of the lesser-known roles and professions within healthcare.

Designed for young people aged 13–19, as well as careers advisors, the programme provides valuable insights into the wide range of NHS careers available. It also helps schools and careers advisors in meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks.

We’re pleased to share that all programme resources are now available on the Healthcare Horizons website. To explore them, simply register for a free account.

This self-paced module includes short videos and podcasts and is a great way to learn about some of the lesser known careers in healthcare and includes:

Careers Untapped Videos: Events Management, Dental Nurse, Bacteriology Scientist, Clinical Engineering, Apprentices Physics Technologist, Senior Resuscitation Officer, Simulation Technician, Clinical Scientist Trainee (Neurophysiology) and Emergency Medicine Junior Doctors.

Careers Untapped Podcasts: Communications Team, Dietician, Audiology, Consultant Psychiatrist, Occupational Health and Staff Wellbeing, Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technologist (APT), Bereavement Specialist, Pharmacy Technician, Procurement Team, Hospital Headteacher and Teaching Assistant.

Once the full module is completed, viewers will receive a certificate of participation.

Access Resources Here

This is a larger catalogue of lesser know careers in the NHS, with podcasts and pre-recorded webinars covering 50 key roles in healthcare and includes:

Careers Untapped Podcasts: Audiology, Clinical Associate Psychologist, Cardiorespiratory, Catering Manager, Emergency Preparedness Resilience and Response Manager, Operating Department Practitioner, Peer Experience Manager, Pharmacy Technician, Physician Associate, Peer Support Worker, Quality Improvement Associate Director, Radiotherapy Physicist, Retinal Screening, Sonography, Ultrasound Physicist, Volunteer Service Manager.

Careers Untapped Webinars: Careers in Medicine, Careers in Digital, Careers in Nursing and Midwifery, Careers in Primary Care, Careers in Allied Health Professions and Healthcare Science, Careers in Mental Health.

Access Resources Here

Discover Dentistry

Are you fascinated by the world of dentistry? Try the University of Sheffield’s 6 week course and learn the essentials of dentistry from leading dental experts.

You’ll explore the intricacies of what dentists do, learn how to become a dentist and discover the rich history of dentistry.

Find Out More and Register Here

Brighton and Sussex Medical School Virtual Work Experience

This course provides a ‘virtual’ work experience for those looking to apply to medical school. You will be introduced to the NHS before exploring the roles and skill sets of six different medical specialists. Along the way, you will also consider some of the challenges and wider issues doctors face.

This course is not designed to completely replace experience completed in the real world, but to provide an insight into medicine and being a doctor. The content explored may supplement work experience already achieved and/or allow you to build knowledge in areas of medicine you may have not had access to. 

Find Out More and Register Here

Observe GP

Observe GP is an alternative to work experience for aspiring medics aged 16 and over who are living in the UK. It is a free, interactive video platform providing insights into the role of a GP and the wider primary care team.

Observe GP is available to school and college pupils aged 16+ who are interested in studying medicine and who want to find top tips for obtaining GP work experience and how to make the most of a work experience placement in general practice.

Find Out More Here

Medic Mentor

Medic Mentor is a non-profit national medical organisation for aspiring students, medical students and doctors. They specialise in helping aspiring students get into medicine. Medic Mentor offer virtual work experience, which is a 30 hour commitment from a student over a 6 month period. Participants receive a certificate and complete a reflective journal about the process.

The Medic Mentor programme covers 3 patient journeys: Geriatric, Adults and Paediatric and is run by a UK-wide network of volunteer doctors who provide UCAS support and teach medical students how to become successful future doctors and NHS leaders.

Find Out More and Register Here

Other Learning Resources

Dr You

The Dr You webpage, hosted by the NHS Talent Academy under Health Education England, offers an accessible and inclusive introduction to a career in medicine. It features engaging videos tailored for primary school students, teenagers, 16+ learners, parents, and educators, aiming to dispel myths about who can become a doctor and to showcase the various pathways available in Medicine.

Dr You invites users to explore topics such as different types of doctors, medical school applications, next career steps, and more.

Find Out More Here

Danny’s Journey

Danny’s Journey is an animated video created by Health Education England and follows Danny who receives an injury whilst playing football. The video follows his journey and documents his interactions with all of the healthcare professionals involved in his treatment and recovery.

Work Experience Videos

In this section