We support requests for shadowing or observation placements to help people explore career options and gain an insight into the wide range of roles and pathways within NHS Scotland.
Placements are hosted on weekdays during the academic year only from September to June. We do not host placements during school holiday periods.
Please note that placement availability depends on staff availability and service demands. We do not offer placements in Women & Children Services, Mental Health, Paediatrics, Emergency Medicine or Intensive Care.
Healthcare Training Programmes
NHS Forth Valley runs a range of training programmes and initiatives in partnership with local colleges, universities and councils. These include Modern Apprenticeship schemes for both clinical and non-clinical roles as well as programmes for people of all ages and backgrounds interested in becoming a Healthcare Support Worker.
Some Healthcare Support Workers also choose to undertake further learning at college or university and NHS Forth Valley provides support to enable staff to study to gain additional qualifications, including nursing qualifications, while they continue to work. To find out more about current training programmes and opportunities contact our Practice Development Unit at fv.practicedevelopmentunit@nhs.scot
Requests from School Pupils
Placements may be offered as:
- shadowing or observation placements,
- timetabled, skills‑based workshops delivered through simulation.
Shadowing/Observation Placements in Medicine and Dentistry (School Pupils)
To request a placement in Medicine or Dentistry, click here
Shadowing/Observation Placements – Other Professions:
These programmes are open to School Pupils who live in or attend school in the Forth Valley Board Area.
- Administration and IT
- Allied Health Professions – Career Insight Week
- Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology)
- Decontamination Services (Medical Instruments)
- Laboratory Medicine
- Medical Physics (Medical Technology and Equipment)
- Nursing and Midwifery – Career Insight Week
- Pharmacy
You can find out more about the wide range of careers in NHS Scotland here.
School Pupil Placement request process
All requests for placements are hosted during the academic year and will be managed through an online application process.
To request a placement please complete the School Pupil Shadowing or Observation Placement Application Form.
Adult workplace observation
We may be able to support requests for shadowing or observation days to support a college or university programme of study for Forth Valley residents attending college or university.
Availability is limited and we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
Requests for work shadowing or observation days should be submitted by email to fv.we@nhs.scot, providing:
- college or university name
- year of study
- placement specialty
- preferred dates
Medical student placement requests
National and international medical students wishing to apply for an elective attachment or placement should contact our undergraduate team at fv.undergraduatemedicaleducation@nhs.scot
providing details of their university, year of study, placement specialty and preferred dates.
Clinical attachment requests
Any queries or requests regarding clinical attachments should be sent to fv.medicalworkforcerecruitment@nhs.scot
Applicants should also send a copy of their CV and a covering letter stating which specialty or specialties they wish to be considered for.
Please note: This email address should only be used to request attachments for fully qualified doctors.