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Health academy

The health academy is a fantastic opportunity for you to explore a career in the health sector. From nurses to porters, therapists to operating department practitioners; this interactive programme is designed to support your development in a wide range of careers in the NHS.

What is the health academy?

The health academy is aimed at school or college students aged 15-18 who have an interest in health care. A wide range of health care professionals are on hand to support students in gaining a greater understanding of many roles available within the NHS. The academy is an opportunity to learn about the NHS and the roles it has to offer. We offer the chance to not only meet a range of health care professionals but to gain a better understanding of what their role entails and possible routes into the varying careers.

The academy experience aims to provide individuals with both life skills and increased confidence and knowledge into a variety of health care careers. This is a programme undertaken alongside current college studies allowing students to keep up with academic work whilst spending time at our Trust learning from a variety of NHS and care staff.

With over 350 different roles within the NHS, there's so many pathways that you can choose. View all the NHS careers.

 

Applications are now open to 15-18 year olds for our health academy four-week course!

The sessions will run on the following dates:

  • Saturday, 18 October 2025
  • Saturday, 25 October 2025
  • Saturday, 1 November 2025
  • Saturday, 8 November 2025.

Each session will run from 9.00am – 12.00pm in the Education Centre at West Suffolk Hospital.

Depending on circumstances, it’s possible that UCAS points could be gained by completing this course. We ask that students aim to attend all four to complete the course.

Final date for applications is Sunday, 5 October 2025.

If you're interested in our health academy, please email your completed application form to Volunteer.Services@wsh.nhs.uk.

Important: If you are under 18, please ensure that your application form is signed by a parent or guardian, as well as a representative from your school or college, before submitting it. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept forms that do not include these required signatures.

 

If you are interested in learning more about our health academies or would like to enquire about sessions, please contact the voluntary services team: Volunteer.Services@wsh.nhs.uk.