Summer Student opportunities return to NHS Western Isles for 2026

NHS Western Isles is once again offering paid Summer Student opportunities following the continued success of its annual Summer Student Recruitment Campaign.

As part of the Board’s ongoing commitment to employability and to promoting careers in health and social care, the scheme gives students the chance to gain valuable, real‑world NHS experience over the summer months, while earning a salary at Agenda for Change Band 2, including (where applicable) enhanced pay for weekend working.

The summer posts run from May through to September 2026, with flexibility around dates and hours depending on service needs. Students are offered short‑term contracts or, in some cases, the opportunity to join NHS Western Isles’ staff banks, where regular hours may be available.

This year’s Summer Student roles are available across a broad range of departments:

• Nutrition & Dietetics (27.5 hours)
• Clinical Governance (20 hours)
• Physiotherapy (35 hours)
• Medical Records (36 hours – two posts available)
• Occupational Therapy (36 hours)
• Health & Safety (36 hours)
• Estates & Works (36 hours)

All posts are based in the Western Isles and are suitable for students studying towards a related career, as well as those looking to gain practical experience in an NHS setting for the first time.

Applications for all posts close on 1 May 2026.

The Summer Student Recruitment Campaign was first introduced in 2023 and has since proven to be hugely successful – both for students and for NHS Western Isles teams.

In previous years, students have worked across areas including Patient Services, Human Resources, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Physiotherapy, Medical wards, Estates & Works, Finance and the Chief Executive's Office, making meaningful contributions to services while gaining insight into NHS careers.

Feedback from students has consistently highlighted the welcoming, supportive learning environment and the value of gaining paid NHS experience. Managers have also spoken positively about the impact students have made, with some placements directly leading to permanent roles within the organisation once students completed their studies.

The campaign has helped to ‘grow our own’ workforce, raise awareness of the wide range of NHS careers available locally, and encourage students with island connections to consider returning to live and work in the Western Isles.

By offering paid summer employment, NHS Western Isles aims to support students financially while giving them hands‑on experience, transferable skills and a clearer understanding of opportunities within the NHS – one of the largest employers in the world.

The Board hopes to continue running the Summer Student scheme annually and encourages anyone considering a future career in healthcare, administration, estates, safety or wider NHS services to apply.

For further information and to apply, visit www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/vacancies/ before 1 May 2026.

Above: Photograph of previous NHS Western Isles summer student placements.