NHS Gateway Paid Placements

Brief Summary: 6 month Paid Work Experience with NHS Lothian Are you looking to start or restart your future career? Are you ready to gain valuable learning through paid work experience that will develop key employability skills?

Employer: NHS Lothian

Salary: £26,696 pro rata

Contract Length: 6 months

Closing Date: 16/06/2026

We have a small number of placements to offer in a short window Im afraid.

A 6 month placement (£26,696 Pro Rata) in a real healthcare setting that could be in a hospital or a community setting. You will be supported through the placement by your keyworker. The roles can be full time or part-time and in a variety of locations across Lothian.

At the start of the placement, you will attend an induction session that welcomes you to NHS Lothian and tells you all the important things you need to know. You will complete mandatory training and meet your supervisor and the team you’ll be working with.  You must live in the Lothian area and not currently be employed or in education.

We’re looking for people with:

• Good communication skills, communication is key in a fast paced healthcare environment. We are looking for people who enjoy communicating with others, depending on the role you could be working with the public, patients and staff.
• Teamwork, understand and value each other’s role and contribution. Work together as a team to create a positive working environment. Experience of working as a team from volunteering, work or life experience would be beneficial.
• Genuine interest in making a positive impact, we want to hear from applicants who thrive on helping people, seeing the support and help they can offer to our communities.

What happens when the placement ends?

Successful completion will give you the experience you need to apply for suitable permanent vacancies across NHS Lothian. You’ll be supported to apply for roles and to prepare for interview.

How to Get Started:

1. Learn More: Find out more about the sorts of roles on offer below
2. Apply: Your keyworker will help you complete the application form. There are 3 questions to answer. In your application, explain why you’d like to be part of NHS Lothian and why you’re an excellent candidate for this programme.

You can also find helpful guidance here: NHS Scotland Careers Website.

How to apply:

If you wish to complete an application on behalf of your suitable client, please contact Barry.mcguigan@edinburgh.gov.uk.  This application should be returned by 16 June 2026 at 12pm.

Roles will be in these services:

Clinical Support Worker

Clinical support staff work with nurses, midwives, doctors and allied health professionals to deliver high-quality care. Many clinical support staff are involved in looking after the general well-being and comfort of patients. Clinical support roles also offer an ideal entry route to many careers in health.

Housekeeping

Housekeepers help make sure that hospital wards and other settings are clean, safe and attractive places for patients and staff.

Portering

Porters are the heartbeat of NHS hospitals, making sure crucial goods and items are delivered where they are needed most. They are also make sure patients are at the right place at the right time to get the treatment they need.

Catering

When working in a hospital kitchen, Catering Assistants prepare, pack and distribute meals. In food retail and dining areas, they operate cash registers and serve food to patients, staff and visitors.

Catering assistants also make sure the hospital kitchens, food preparation, food service, and dining areas are clean, hygienic, and welcoming.

Administration

NHS administrative staff provide business support to clinical and non-clinical staff.

The NHS has to be well-organised and keep detailed records of patients and staff. Patients and other organisations need to be able to contact the NHS, to see or speak to the right person who can give them the help they need. That could be booking an appointment, getting advice or paying an invoice.