We provide engaging and varied work experience placements that showcase the range of career opportunities a hospice can offer.
Placements are provided at the hospice in Wildwood Drive to students aged 16 or over at the time of their placement.
During week-long (Monday to Friday) placements at the hospice, students will gain experience across a range of areas, and may spend time:
- attending therapeutic workshops for patients and carers
- with our hospitality volunteer on our In-patient Unit
- assisting our catering team
- working alongside the communications and digital team
- meeting members of our clinical teams
- in our on-site shop
- understanding the roles of finance and fundraising
At the end of the week students will write a blog post, or put together a vlog, reflecting on their experience which can then be shared on the St Richard’s website.
All of our work experience slots for the academic year 2025/2026 have now been filled. We’ll update this page with details of slots for the next academic year as soon as they’ve been confirmed. We’ll also reinstate our online application form at this point.
Application process
Once you have submitted your online application form, a member of our Learning Team will be in touch to confirm if you have been successful. They will be in touch eight weeks before the start of the placement you have applied for.
Please get in touch with or call the Learning Team on 01905 763963 if you require the form in another format.
Work experience placements are also available at some of our larger shops. To find out more about the opportunities at our shops, please contact the store manager directly. You can find the contact details for our shops here: https://strichards.org.uk/our-shops/find-a-shop/
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. When will I hear if my application has been successful?
We will confirm whether your application has been successful or not eight weeks before the start of the placement.
2. Do I need to be interested in a career in health and social care to do work experience at the hospice?
No, you don’t need to be interested in a career in healthcare to benefit from a week’s work experience at St Richard’s. You’ll spend time with teams across departments, giving you a taste of the various careers available within a hospice.
3. What will I be doing during my week of work experience?
You’ll spend time with a variety of departments, gaining experience of a range of careers within the hospice. You’ll work alongside our clinical teams, income generation departments, and the teams who maintain the day-to-day operation of the hospice building.
4. What are the hours of the placement?
Your placement will run between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday. There is room for flexibility within those hours which can be discussed on successful application.
5. What information should I include in my application?
In your application, we would love to hear:
- Why you are interested in a work experience placement with St Richard’s Hospice. Please include details on the areas you’re most interested in, and how these will benefit your studies.
- What you know about St Richard’s and the variety of work the hospice does.
- What you hope to get out of your work experience placement with St Richard’s.
- How the week will benefit your studies or future career.
- What you think might be challenging about a placement at St Richard’s Hospice.
- What knowledge, skills and personal attributes you think you’ll bring to your placement.
6. Is the hospice an accessible place for work experience placements?
Yes, we welcome students from all backgrounds and abilities. We are committed to making our work experience opportunities accessible, welcoming and supportive.
We will make reasonable adjustments to support individuals with disabilities, health conditions or additional learning needs. We are happy to discuss requirements with students ahead of their placements.
Our main hospice building has accessible access and toilets, and quiet spaces for time away from busy environments.
7. What are the benefits of work experience with St Richard’s?
- We can support your application for further study or apprenticeships.
- The hospice is a welcoming environment with supportive staff who are keen to ensure you get the most out of your placement.
- You’ll be given the opportunity to experience and learn from a variety of teams across hospice departments.
- There is a fantastic, on-site café selling a range of meals, snacks, and drinks.