As a trust, we are aware of our position as a major employer. We also focus on developing our workforce of the future.
We are leading the way with our work with schools, colleges and wider community.
Widening participation is about supporting access to health and care careers. Our aim is to support under-represented groups and young people into the workplace.
This supports Our Community Promise. This is our pledge to support people in different ways. It is based on 5 key pillars, including education and employment.
How can we help?
- Careers fairs / events - We will attend and promote at all career fairs (where resource allows). To request attendance from a member of our team, please complete this form.
- Work experience - Our offer is open to all in Northumberland and North Tyneside. Find out more here.
- Masterclasses - We create these as the next level of work experience. See the masterclasses drop-down for more.
- Bespoke sessions - We can create bespoke sessions that are appropriate for your students.
- T-Levels - We offer clinical and non-clinical placements.
- Supported internships - We can offer tailor-made internships in non-clinical settings.
- Site visits and tours - We can arrange site visits of non-clinical areas. This includes our simulation and VR (virtual reality) rooms.
To find out more about any of the above, please email wideningparticipation
We plan our masterclasses as action-packed days filled with activities, discussions and guidance. They are to support young people aged 15 to 17 in the next steps on their career journey.
They include guest speakers from registered professions to discuss career options. There is also application support from our teams and we talk about apprenticeship opportunities.
The aim is to provide young people with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Spring term 2025/2026
- 13 February 2026 - SEND masterclass (SEND students)
- 16 March 2026 - Healthcare sciences masterclass (Year 10 students)
- 27 March 2026 - Pharmacy masterclass (Year 10 students)
Summer term 2025/2026
- 30 April 2026 - Mainstream SEND masterclass (SEND students)
- 8 June 2026 - Nursing masterclass (Year 10 students)
- 10 June 2026 - Healthcare sciences masterclass (Year 10 students)
- 11 June 2026 - Allied healthcare professionals masterclass (Year 10 students)
- 15 June 2026 - Physiotherapy masterclass (Year 10 students)
- 18 June 2026 - Medicine masterclass (Year 12 students)
- 22 June 2026 - Digital services masterclass (Year 10 students)
Autumn term 2026/2027
- 5 October 2026 - Healthcare sciences masterclass (Year 12 students)
- 15 October 2026 - Nursing masterclass (Year 12 students)
- 9 November 2026 - Allied healthcare professionals masterclass (Year 12 students)
- 19 November 2026 - Pharmacy masterclass (Year 12 students)
To book any of the masterclasses, please use this form.
- Careers fairs - We try to attend as many as we can.
- Work experience - Our offer is open to all in Northumberland and North Tyneside. Find out more here.
- Masterclasses - We create these as the next level of work experience. See the masterclasses drop-down for more.
- Bespoke sessions - We can create bespoke sessions that are appropriate for your clients.
- Skills bootcamps - We offer clinical and non-clinical skills bootcamps to support entry routes.
- Supported internships - We can offer tailor-made internships in non-clinical settings.
- Site visits and tours - We can arrange site visits of non-clinical areas. This includes our simulation and VR (virtual reality) rooms.
- Bespoke priority group sessions - These are designed to support disadvantaged groups with employability support. This could include refugees, veterans or NEETS (those not in employment, education or training).
To find out more, or if you need support with an application or interview techniques, please complete this form.
You can also email wideningparticipation
National Apprenticeship Week - 9 to 15 February
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we're hosting some education sessions to show you what an apprenticeship at Northumbria Healthcare looks like. In these sessions, you'll find out more about the apprentice journey, what you can expect from your apprenticeship and how you can apply. See the dates below.
Monday 9 February 2026, 4.30pm to 7pm – apprenticeship open evening at Northumbria Health and Care Academy (NE23 6NZ)
A fantastic opportunity to explore what it’s like to start your career with Northumbria Healthcare. Learn about our clinical and non-clinical apprenticeship vacancies, speak with current staff and apprentices, and get a clear understanding of the application process for future applications.
Book your place here.
Wednesday 11 February 2026 - Virtual apprenticeship open evening on Microsoft Teams
Join us for an online apprenticeship information event as part of National Apprenticeship Week and discover the wide range of clinical and non-clinical
apprenticeships available at Northumbria Healthcare.
We’ll highlight the benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship with Northumbria, guide you through the application and interview process, discuss timelines and upcoming cohorts, and showcase the career pathways and progression opportunities available.
Book your place here.
Thursday 12 February 2026 - Apprenticeship open day on the MELISSA bus at Berwick Sports and Leisure Centre (TD15 2AS)
Come onboard the Melissa Bus and find out more about the clinical and
non-clinical apprenticeship routes at Northumbria Healthcare.
Book your place here.
Wednesday 8 July 2026 – NHS careers day
Following the success of previous events, we invite you back to explore a wide range of NHS careers.
Take part in interactive activities and speak to clinical and non-clinical staff about their career journeys.
Open to Year 9 and above.
More details to follow.
Northumbria career ambassadors
Our career ambassadors aim to inspire the next generation of NHS professionals.
They motivate and support people to consider careers in health and care.
This is more than just career advice. It’s about removing barriers and reaching out to those who might not have considered a future in healthcare.
Click here to request a visit to your school / college from one of our career ambassadors. Please note that we need 3 months' notice for all requests.