Learn about the NHS recruitment values, you can also work through some of our NHS Values Activities. These will help you understand the values better and build on interview answers
Review pathways and check entry requirements for post-16 options. Some require a relevant subject at A-level or Level 3 equivalent e.g. Biology or Applied Science.
Weigh up the pros and cons of full-time study vs apprenticeship and apply to all the options you are interested in. You can find information about NHS apprenticeships here.
Consider a back-up plan if results don't go the way you hoped. This could be level 2 health/care/science courses, intermediate apprenticeships, a job with accredited training/time off for study.
Year 12
Starting Point
Continue researching careers and discuss your ideas with teachers, careers advisers, family and friends, and develop a network of potential contacts for experience, work shadowing, job-study opportunities. The NHS has advice and guidance for those looking at careers in healthcare.
Research Higher Education courses (degrees/foundation degrees) Pay attention to entry requirements, personal statement advice and selection methods.
Attend open days at universities and compare choices
Become familiar with the NHS values and constitution and how you could demonstrate these - the NHS use values-based recruitment so this is really important. Remember that you can also work through some of our NHS Values Activities to help you practice.
Top-up
You could also start looking at the government apprenticeship database and job NHS job vacancies and work out what steps you need to take to be able to make good applications for similar opportunities next year i.e. how you can develop relevant skills and experience.
Start following news stories and policies related to health especially those related to the roles you are interested in. This will help broaden your understanding of current issues and prepare for writing applications and interviews. We run a Healthcare as it Happens Blog that has different focuses each month, this gives you overviews of news so is less work for you!
Become familiar with the NHS values and constitution and how you could demonstrate these - the NHS use values-based recruitment so this is really important. Remember that you can also work through some of our NHS Values Activities to help you practice.
Year 13
Term One
September-November: attend open days and finalise choices and personal statements for UCAS application. Allow time for your school/college to add reference and predicted grades for submission. Universities arrange interviews from late autumn so an earlier application can be helpful
December: If you are thinking of a degree apprenticeship you should start looking for opportunities now, apply and keep a record of your application
Term Two
January 31st 6pm is the UCAS deadline for 2024 – make sure you have your application in by then!
February: Start to receive offers and can start applying for student finance
March: Check UCAS Track for replies from HE providers and prepare for and attend interviews (school/college may provide mock interviews)
Term Three
Hopefully you will continue to receive offers - did you know you can and add an extra choice if you get no offers?
Undergo selection for degree apprenticeships. This could include online and/or in person tests, interviews and group tasks
If unsuccessful, research a backup plan – Your options could include studying a related degree and then completing postgraduate training, Alternative healthcare/science career paths via apprenticeship/degree apprenticeship or full-time degree or even taking a gap year and applying again (consider how you will boost your application in future.)
As an alternative to a degree apprenticeship, consider an entry-level job or apprenticeship at Level 2 or 3, to enhance your skills and experience, or foundation degree, HNC/D, or Cert HE (level 4/5 Higher Education courses) at college full or part-time, or via distance learning eg HND Health and Social care
Accept firm and insurance offers (you’ll go to your firm choice if you get the grades they’ve set) by reply deadline (shown in UCAS Track)
Apply for student finance preferably by end of May, and any scholarships or awards you may be eligible for. Research what is offered by your specific university, college or NHS provider.
May (approx.): Research location of study, course materials, budgets, travel etc and apply for accommodation
June (approx.): If your degree is eligible for the NHS learning support fund you can apply for a training grant of £5000 per year of studies.
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