Cannock college students to gain NHS hospital placement experience

Students studying health at South Staffordshire College’s Cannock campus will have the opportunity to gain practical experience in NHS settings through a new partnership with The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

The placements will be available to the whole cohort of students taking the college’s T Level Health course, with placements due to begin in early 2027.

During their first year, students will gain experience in outpatient departments before progressing to ward-based placements in their second year.

The programme aims to help students build confidence, learn about different areas of patient care and develop skills needed for careers in healthcare.

Before starting their placements, students will receive training similar to that provided to NHS employees. This will cover areas including safeguarding, infection prevention, patient moving and handling, dementia awareness, mental health and basic life support.

Michelle Hickman-Smith, deputy head of nurse education at the trust, said: “Giving students the chance to experience working in a hospital is a great way to help them understand the different roles available in the NHS and the skills needed to care for patients.”

Lisa Shepherd, work experience officer at South Staffordshire College, said the trust’s placement team had provided clear guidance and support to help prepare students for the experience.

Jo George, curriculum manager for health at the college, said the placements would allow students to apply what they had learned in a real healthcare environment.

T Levels are two-year technical qualifications developed with employers. They include a substantial industry placement designed to help students prepare for skilled employment, apprenticeships or further study.

The partnership is intended to strengthen links between education and healthcare employers while giving local young people an insight into NHS careers.