Clinical placements are a cornerstone of healthcare education and workforce development. As the 10-Year Health Plan sets out a transformative vision of shifting care from hospitals to communities, from analogue to digital systems, and from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, placements play a critical role in preparing the future workforce to deliver on these ambitions.
Employers have highlighted the challenge of balancing placement capacity with the need to provide high-quality, inclusive experiences for a diverse range of learners. This includes individuals undertaking work experience, T Levels, BTECs, pre and post-registration programmes, and both traditional and apprenticeship routes. Ensuring robust placement opportunities is essential to equipping students with the skills and adaptability required to meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare.
This guide aims to provide employers with practical examples to help manage and diversify their placement capacity whilst providing an excellent student learning experiences. Evidence shows that students who have a good placement experience will normally apply for a position within that organisation/specialty at the end of their training.
