Following a robust assessment process, we are delighted to announce that the Lincolnshire NHS Talent Academy has been awarded the National Quality FairTrain Gold Standard and commendation for our centralised work experience service.

The NHS Talent Academy provides opportunities for people to get the experience and skills they need to progress with a career in the health and care sector. We support everyone from school age pupils, to those studying for a career in medicine and anyone looking for a change in career.

In Lincolnshire, the academy works with the county’s three NHS Trusts, the Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group, Lincolnshire County Council, the Lincolnshire Care Association and St Barnabas Hospice. Placements are available in clinical and non-clinical roles, in almost every area of the health and care sector.

All requests are managed through a digital centralised work experience service which has been awarded the national FairTrain Gold standard quality mark and also a commendation.

Anyone interested in gaining experience can create a profile via the academy’s website and look and apply for suitable work experience placements with just a few clicks.

The simplicity and ease of the system is one of the reasons why it has proven popular with local organisations and those seeking experience alike. The academy was launched in 2015 with just 53 students on work experience. Since then there has been a 1,138% increase in the number of students taking part in placements and a 4,713% increase in the number of potential opportunities available.

The academy’s Strategic Lead, Claire Flavell, said: “Receiving this recognition is great news. The system and process is testament to five years’ continuous development to meet the needs of our audience, but also a reflection of the engagement of our partner organisations without whom we would not have a service to deliver.”

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team has had the challenge and opportunity to think about how to develop and extend work experience and employability services in the county. This will include more virtual and coaching opportunities in addition to more traditional work placements.

During the last year, the service has also expanded and now delivers on behalf of other NHS Trusts and integrated care systems from across the country.

For more information about our work experience opportunities; please click here