Veterans Volunteer to Career Programme

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Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) has successfully delivered four cohorts through the Volunteer to Career (VtC) Programme which supports people to explore careers in healthcare while volunteering. The programme offers our volunteers placements to gain experience and training sessions to develop their NHS skills and knowledge. SaTH pledges its support for anyone who has served in the Armed Forces and are now veterans, and their families.

We are working with Helpforce, which is a national charity set up to expand volunteering in the NHS, and the local Armed Forces network as one of 14 pilot sites to deliver two Veterans and Families Volunteer to Career Programmes with the aim of creating a pathway for retired veterans and their families to work within the healthcare sector in clinical and non-clinical roles.

The VtC programme will give you a greater insight into a particular profession/role and NHS experience in that role. You do not need any previous experience or qualifications to apply.

The Volunteer to Career programme is a great opportunity if:

You are not sure if a career in healthcare is for you and want to try it out before applying for a paid job or course
You have been out of work for a length of time and need a gradual route back into work
You have been turned down for jobs in the NHS due to lack of knowledge and experience in the NHS

Image of 3 members of the Armend Forces in trafalgar square

I'm interested - what happens on the programme?

What does the programme involve?

If you are not already a volunteer at our Trust, you will need to go through the recruitment process to become a volunteer
This is a 5-6 month programme with a commitment to complete a minimum of 4 hours volunteering per week (so 50 hours in total). We will work with you to identify an area where you would like to volunteer and provide support to you throughout that time
You will be supported each step of the way and will have a mentor who will help you learn the skills you need
Access to CV writing workshops, interview skills seminars, ‘Ask the Experts Q&A’s, personal statement and job application support

Who can apply?

We are offering 20 places on our first Veterans and Families cohort of Volunteer to Career starting in March 2025
The programme is completely free of charge and uniform will be supplied
You don’t have to pay for the training, you only need to volunteer your time at our Trust
No previous experience or qualifications are needed to apply

How do I apply?

We are looking forward to working with you and helping you achieve your career aspirations in healthcare. With the VtC program, you will have the opportunity to gain the experience, knowledge, and connections you need to succeed in the healthcare industry.

If you wish to start your application, please click the Apply Now button below.

APPLY NOW

Volunteer to Career Success Stories

Meet Rodica

Rodica Birca

“I am proud to have been part of the volunteering team at SaTH, and it was an inspiring experience that significantly impacted my career path. Through this opportunity, I gained essential skills and discovered my passion for healthcare.

The team at SaTH was incredibly supportive, and I learned something new each day, which bolstered my self-confidence in interacting with patients and staff. My communication skills improved as I learned to interact empathetically with patients’ families and communicate effectively with the team. Motivated by this positive experience, I applied for the role of Maternity Ward Clerk and was thrilled to be accepted.

As a new starter, I am enjoying my role immensely, having met new people and joined an amazing, supportive team. This experience has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am eager to continue achieving newgoals.

I would highly recommend volunteering to others, as it provides valuable skills, personal growth, and a pathway to paid employment.”