We’re continuing to help create valuable opportunities for young people to gain workplace experience within the NHS.
NHS Lanarkshire is celebrating its third year of participation in North Lanarkshire Council’s School Pupil Summer Placement Programme.
Since joining, we’ve expanded the number of placements each year and provided students with hands-on experience across a range of clinical and non-clinical services, helping them explore career pathways while developing practical workplace skills.
The wider programme has also continued to grow. Following a successful pilot involving 23 pupils in 2023, participation increased to 191 pupils in 2025 and 207 pupils this year.
As well as gaining valuable work experience, pupils have access to training opportunities, develop new skills, build confidence and create professional networks that can support their future education and career aspirations. Participants can also gain SQA-accredited qualifications through the Work Placement and Employability Award, recognising the skills and experience developed during their placement.
One of this year’s participants, Peace, worked as a healthcare support worker within podiatry services across NHS Lanarkshire. The placement gave her valuable insight into healthcare careers and the opportunity to develop transferable skills.
Peace said: “I had never heard of podiatry before, but the great thing about this summer placement is that regardless of the career you want to get into – or even if you don’t know – you gain lots of transferable skills.
“The podiatry team I worked with was super supportive; I was assigned to different podiatrists, who were always answered any questions. My NHS job coach was also very kind and routinely checked in to see how I was doing and listened to any inquiries or concerns I had.
“To me, podiatrists are mini-surgeons and helpers all in one, and I have a whole new level of appreciation for them.”
At the programme’s celebration event, pupils and managers reflected on the positive impact of the placements. The young people highlighted increased confidence, enhanced employability skills and valuable connections, while managers welcomed the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives brought by the young people.
Michelle McNair, Bladder and Bowel Service Team Leader, hosted one of our placement students, Artem, in admin at Townhead Health Centre.
She said: “Artem was an absolute joy and pleasure to have with us. His dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to learning each day were evident throughout his placement and are qualities that will undoubtedly take him far in life.
“He is a very polite, respectful and well-mannered young man who worked well with everyone across the service. Artem is a credit to both himself and his parents, and he made a very positive impression on all of us.”
As an Anchor Organisation, NHS Lanarkshire remains committed to supporting local young people by expanding their career horizons and networks and developing our future workforce.
