The NHS is one of the largest healthcare systems in the world, and the largest employer in the UK and Europe, with 1.3 million people across the health service in England devoting their working lives to caring for others. That is one in every 25 working-age adults.
The NHS has one of the most competitive and supportive benefits packages offered anywhere in the UK, including:
Some local NHS Trusts in Sussex offer further rewards and benefits such as free confidential counselling, employee networks for LGBT+ staff, neurodivergent staff or staff from ethnic minorities, tax-free childcare, free eye tests and discount glasses, and free legal and financial information. Care-experienced NHS staff can also access a supportive Care Experienced Peer Group, set up to celebrate achievements and build lasting friendships. Find out more, or sign up to the Care Experienced NHS Peer Group.
Sussex has some fantastic natural features such as the Seven Sisters County Park, alongside many areas of outstanding natural beauty that include the medieval heathland and forests of the High Weald. Locations in Sussex regularly top the list for locations that enjoy the most hours of sunshine in the UK. London is just over two hours away by car or train, while Gatwick Airport, Eurotunnel and regular ferry crossing from Dover allow easy access to mainland Europe. Sussex has a rich history and culture, with many history sites and attractions, such as the 1066 Battle of Hastings, and the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. Sussex boasts a high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education and public transport systems. Healthcare providers and primary care partners across Sussex offer diverse work opportunities. NHS services in Sussex continue to receive good investment, from the building of a new Elective Care Hub in Eastbourne, to the state-of-the-art inpatient facilities at the Louisa Martindale Building in Brighton – the newest clinical building in NHS England.
Video produced by Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust: ‘One organisation, 350 career choices’
There are more than 350 different careers in the NHS, probably more than in any other organisation in the world. And you’d be surprised how many of them don’t require a degree, aren’t directly patient-facing, or aren’t clinical or hands on. Although everything that everyone does is for patients, their families, carers and the public, we can all contribute in different ways. No matter which role you fulfil in the NHS; we can all make a difference and help others.
Just some examples of the many careers available in the NHS:
To find the NHS careers that best suit you, you can complete the NHS Health Careers quiz here. All you need to do is answer some simple questions about your likes and dislikes, and it takes just 5 minutes. The health careers tool here can help you compare roles of interest. Further information on certain professions can be found on other pages of this website.
Work experience in the NHS is a fantastic way to gain insight into a particular career. It can also be a valuable way of getting some confidence and experience of working in a team and caring for people. Whether it is a short or long-term placement, full or part time, work experience can help you choose the right career.
Online work experience opportunities:
Virtual work experience is available on-demand for people interested in working in the NHS in the South-East. The programmes provide an overview of what different NHS careers can offer, and the day-to-day work of these professions. Upon completion, you will be awarded a certificate which can be useful for interviews for NHS jobs or further education.
For information on how to access local in-person work experience opportunities in NHS Trusts across Sussex, click the following links:
If you've already had a work experience placement in the NHS, please tell us your story via ‘Step Into The NHS’.
The Prince’s Trust offers free courses, mentoring and funding to eligible 16 – 30-year-olds applying for jobs in health and social care. The Prince’s Trust team can work with you to find the right course or job role for you. Courses are available online for people across the UK, however there are also in-person opportunities across the South-East. Find a Prince's Trust course near you.
Video produced by The Prince’s Trust: ‘Get a job in health and social care with The Prince’s Trust’If you are aged 16 to 18, or 19+ and in your first year of an apprenticeship, the minimum you should receive is £5.28 an hour (the National Minimum Wage for apprenticeships). However, many NHS employers will pay you more than minimum wage. Apprenticeships take between one and five years to complete. NHS apprenticeships are available at several levels:
Popular apprenticeships include the nursing associate apprenticeship (level 5), and the registered nursing degree apprenticeship (level 6), however there are many other options, including:
Search live NHS apprenticeship vacancies in your area here.
Apprenticeships are also used as an opportunity to develop the skills and careers of existing NHS staff. Skills for Health have produced the Pathways Tool of apprenticeship standards to illustrate means of career progression. You can access the Skills for Health Pathway tool here.
Health and Healthcare Science T-Levels
T-Levels are a new qualification for students aged 16 – 19 in England who have finished their GCSEs. T-Levels are the equivalent of 3 A-Levels and involve a combination of classroom and workplace learning. T-Levels courses are available in Health, and Healthcare Science, in Sussex – amongst several other subjects. Find out more information about T-Levels on our page here or find a T-Level course near you here.
Nuffield Research Placements
Nuffield Research Placements (NRP) are engaging, real-life research or development projects, where talented year 12 (or equivalent) students are placed at the heart of a UK host organisation. They are a fantastic opportunity for students to apply skills and knowledge learned at school, while providing a meaningful contribution to the work of researchers and industry professionals. Nuffield Research Placements are facilitated within some local NHS organisations across Sussex. To find out more information, check your eligibility and apply to Nuffield Research Placements.
Ready to apply?
View our current Opportunities in health and care for young people in Sussex (updated regularly)
You can search for and apply for jobs on the NHS website.
Advice and guidance on applications and interviews can be found here.
Search for vacancies for apprenticeships (UCAS): Search | Apprenticeships and graduate jobs | UCAS