Blueprint for Success: Remote Work Experience in NHS Healthcare Science Careers

Mapping Futures with North Thames Genomic Medicine Service 

As the largest employer in Europe, the NHS offers an incredible range of roles that are all vital to improving lives. The North Thames Genomic Medicine Service (NTGMS) provides both medical testing and education in genomics and genetics – and is one of seven services working towards the NHS becoming the first global healthcare system to fully integrate genomics into routine patient care. 

In March 2025, NTGMS hosted a 2-day online (remote) work experience for young people across the UK. Through real-world insights into careers in genomics and collaborative project work, the work experience provided an opportunity for to take their first steps towards a successful career in STEM. 

“For any young person curious about where healthcare and technology intersect, genomic medicine is a field where they can future-proof their skills while making a tangible difference every day to all people.” – Dr Shazia Mahamdallie, Health Equity Lead, NTGMS 

Inside the Virtual Work Experience 

The online work experience began with a pre-placement DNA model-building activity. The winning work was shared on social media by NTGMS, both to celebrate the student’s creativity and effort, and to provide valuable experience for their CV. 

Young people attended the virtual work experience to learn more about the exciting career possibilities in genomics, connect with industry experts in various roles and discover the work environment they operate within, and develop employability skills for NHS healthcare science careers – all from home. 

After a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work across genomics, students worked collaboratively to participate in interactive activities focusing on genetic testing. 

Student Feedback

Attendees valued the insights shared by professionals across NTGMS, as well as the group projects that helped build foundational skills and knowledge for successful careers in genomics. 

“The Karyotyping task helped to develop problem-solving skills as well as staying positive as I found the task quite challenging.” – Student  

“The debate task helped to develop teamwork and speaking skills as I learnt how to listen to my team members’ ideas while still developing a strong argument.” – Student  

Advice For Young People

NHS careers offer a range of meaningful and fascinating roles for individuals who are curious to learn and keen to make a difference. 

“Whether you have GCSEs or NVQs, previous work experience, a science degree, or a PhD, there will be a route into genomic healthcare for you. Training courses are available at every entry point, and once you are working within genomic medicine, further training can open up new pathways and boost your career progression. Just start somewhere, don’t be tentative… you'll be surprised what opportunities exist… an imperfect attempt [at an application] could get you through the door, and is definitely better than no attempt at all.” – Dr Shazia Mahamdallie 

Learn more about careers in genomics here. 

Learn more about careers in STEM here.  

The Work Experience Stats

Young people rated their remote work experience as 4.6 out of 5 stars. 

96% of young people were confident they could achieve their career ambitions after taking part in the placement. 

Through the placement, the top skills developed were:  

• Team-work – 100% students reported improvement   

• Speaking skills – 100% students reported improvement   

• Listening Skills – 100% students reported improvement   

• Problem-solving – 89% students reported improvement 

• Aiming high – 85% students reported improvement 

Inspiring Careers 

Given the success of the work experience, NTGMS delivered a second virtual opportunity for young people in June 2025. This placement ran as a 3-day work experience with Futures For All in partnership with The Hg Foundation for the IntoTech programme, which aims to demystify the tech sector. Learn more about the IntoTech programme here. 

Participants met professionals working across NTGMS to explore the broad range of careers in genomics, before working collaboratively in groups to develop ideas for resources explaining DNA, technology and genetic health conditions to young people. 

“Not only were their presentations and research outstanding, but they taught us invaluable lessons about communicating genomics effectively with younger audiences. Their fresh perspectives showed us how creative formats and relatable framing could make complex science accessible. This reinforced how vital co-design is; when we treat young people as partners rather than just recipients of information, the results are powerful.” – Dr Shazia Mahamdallie 

NTGMS were so impressed by the students’ work that they plan to develop their proposals into digital content that will be publicly available on their website and shared through social media campaigns. This achievement will offer a valuable asset for attendees’ CVs, while helping more young people understand genomics and its impact on health care. 

Student Feedback 

“I enjoyed learning about the new technology that was becoming available as this helped me reconsider a future career path I might take.” – Student  

“The group project was really good, as it was what separated this work experience from other virtual experiences.” – Student 

Futures For All

At Futures For All, we value the opportunity to work in partnership with employers who recognise the significance of work experience – both in-person and remote. Work experience programmes open doors for young people across the UK, while making it easier than ever for employers to reach a broader, more diverse pool of future talent. 

“Work experience is vital because it can shape an entire career trajectory… It’s about helping them discover their strengths, passions, and the first steps toward a meaningful career… the effort is always worth it, as the young people are so engaged and engaging. It's been inspiring proof that when we listen to young voices, everyone benefits.” – Dr Shazia Mahamdallie 

Discover Work Experience for Yourself

Whether you’re keen to apply for work experience or provide some for young people, head to our  Work Experience Finder to get started.   

Our Talks Library is also available as a resource of insights into different sectors.   

* Image source: https://norththamesgenomics.nhs.uk/