Work experience programme highlights apprenticeship opportunities across Swindon Borough Council and Great Western Hospital

The two organisations recently held a four-day work experience programme, which ran from 28 to 31 October, and provided the students with valuable insights into career opportunities right across the town.

At the Council, students heard from a range of guest speakers representing teams such as Operations, Learning and Development, Enterprise Works, Business Improvement, Live Well, and Public Health. Team-building activities were a highlight, along with a tour of the newly opened Museum & Art Swindon at the Civic Offices.

Students participated in a variety of interactive sessions at Great Western Hospital, in key areas such as project management, administration, digital services, marketing, and IT. They also engaged in CV writing workshops and interview skills sessions aimed at enhancing their employability. These hands-on activities offered students a real-world look at the range of roles available within healthcare and its support services.

Apprentices were also present throughout the sessions to share their personal experiences and offer relatable insights into the apprenticeship journey.

The programme concluded with a presentation event at Great Western Hospital on Thursday, 31 October, where students had the chance to reflect on their experiences and participate in a Q&A session. Councillor Emma Bushell, Swindon Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Organisational Oversight, joined Trust colleagues from the Organisational Development and Wider Workforce team at the event to award certificates to the students on completion of the work experience.

This programme is one area of work that forms part of the Council’s mission in the Swindon Plan to ‘Build a Fairer Swindon’. Specific objectives under this mission aim to reduce disadvantage and improve education, skills, and employability, reflecting the Council's commitment to offering young people accessible learning opportunities and pathways to fulfilling careers.

One of the students said: “Thank you for this work experience as it motivates me to get good grades and work in the Council one day. The experience opened my mind to apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities.”

Another student said: “I enjoyed the programme so much. I got the opportunity to meet so many people whose job it is to help others. I found it interesting learning about different careers that I have never heard of before. After this I am definitely looking at volunteering within the community.”

Councillor Emma Bushell, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Organisational Oversight, said: “It was inspiring to see the students' enthusiasm and engagement throughout this programme. Initiatives like this are vital in giving our young people the skills, knowledge, and confidence to achieve their ambitions.

“By exposing them to a range of careers and practical experiences, we're not only supporting their personal growth but also contributing to the future of Swindon’s workforce. Through partnerships with organisations like Great Western Hospital, we can open doors for these students and give them a clear pathway towards a rewarding career.

“This aligns perfectly with our commitment to building a fairer Swindon, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. I am excited to see how we can continue to expand on these opportunities and work together to inspire the next generation."

Sarah King, Wider Workforce Lead at Great Western Hospital, said: “Thank you to all the students who took part in our new collaborative apprenticeship insights programme, which gave them insight into healthcare and local authority. Here at Great Western Hospital, the students were inspired by current professionals across the Trust and had the opportunity to see the teams in action.

“We are extremely proud of those who attended, and are pleased to have been able to show how all clinical and non-clinical professionals contribute to making a difference to our patients and the local community. We hope that the young people will consider us as an employer in the future.”