Any Age, Any Background | NHS Apprenticeships and Work Experience

There’s more than one way into a career in the NHS, and it doesn’t always start with a degree. In this episode of The Right Chamber, we explore the often-overlooked routes into healthcare through work experience and apprenticeships, and how these pathways open doors for people at every stage of life. From school students taking their very first steps, to adults changing careers later on, this conversation breaks down what real NHS career journeys actually look like. Frances Hancock and Jo Slater share insights into how work experience can help people discover where they fit, build confidence, and make informed choices; even when that means realising a particular role isn’t for them. We also dive into NHS apprenticeships, showing how they provide flexible entry points, hands-on learning, and clear progression, including routes that can lead all the way to registered professional roles. Along the way, we challenge common misconceptions about NHS careers, highlight the sheer breadth of roles available across the organisation, and explain why there truly is a place for everyone. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a career-changer, or simply curious about how people really get started in the NHS, this episode offers practical insight, reassurance, and inspiration. 00:00 - Introduction to The Right Chamber podcast 00:48 - Meet the Guests: Frances Hancock & Jo Slater 01:46 - Episode Overview: Non-Linear Career Paths in Healthcare 02:16 - Role Profiles: Schools Engagement & Apprenticeship Management 03:09 - Personal Journeys: Falling into NHS Careers 06:41 - Expanding the Vision: Beyond Doctors and Nurses 07:20 - NHS Career Ambassadors & School Engagement 08:35 - The "350+ Careers" Fact: Discovering the Breadth of the NHS 10:00 - Apprenticeships as Entry Points: Level 2 to Degree Level 11:59 - Internal Progression: Support Workers to Registered Nurses 13:49 - Clinical Work Experience: The One-Week Specialised Program 16:42 - Success Stories: From Admin Apprentices to Healthcare Scientists 18:59 - Debunking Myths: Apprenticeships for All Ages and Career Changers 21:20 - Joe’s Graduation Story: Achieving a Level 5 Operations Manager Qualification 22:12 - Proud Moments: Seeing Former Apprentices Become Team Managers 23:30 - How to Get Started: Advice for 16-Year-Olds and Career Changers 24:10 - Essential Resources: NHS Careers Website & The Career Quiz 26:12 - How NHS Departments Can Get Involved & Build Future Talent 29:05 - Solving Recruitment Gaps: The Podiatry Degree Apprenticeship Example 29:55 - Flexible Engagement: "Behind the Scenes" Tours & Virtual Expert Sessions 32:20 - Closing Remarks and Signposting 32:44 - Outro and Social Media Links Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6BMxswW... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/c... If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, share, and subscribe for more real stories from inside the NHS. Follow us: Instagram:   / rgucms   TikTok:   / rgucms   Also subscribe for exclusive content and updates.    / @rgucmedia   ------------------ Produced by the RGUC Digital Media Team - https://iclinical.co.uk/digital-media... Music credit: Kalte Ohren (septahelix remix) by septahelix (c) copyright 2019 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/septahe... Ft: starfrosch