More than 250 paid NHS placements will be made available to parents across Scotland as part of the Scottish Government's ongoing commitment to eradicate child poverty and improve access to long-term employment.
The initiative will offer opportunities across 18 NHS health boards in a range of essential support roles, including porters, caterers, healthcare support workers, administration assistants and assistant technical officers.
Designed specifically to support parents who are most at risk of poverty, the placements will provide valuable work experience, training and a pathway into permanent NHS careers. The paid opportunities are expected to last between six and 18 months, helping participants build skills while earning an income.
The programme builds on successful employment models already delivered by NHS boards across Scotland and aims to strengthen future workforce capacity while supporting families facing financial hardship.
Speaking about the initiative, Scottish Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:
“Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and we know that fair work in the NHS will offer a real route out of poverty for families.
“We are equipping parents with the skills and experience needed to have a long and successful career, with the opportunity for real progression, while strengthening the NHS workforce of the future.
“This project scales existing successful models already delivered by NHS boards and I’m pleased that we’re able to extend this opportunity to hundreds more families across the country.”
The scheme reflects a dual approach of supporting Scotland's anti-poverty ambitions while helping the NHS address workforce needs in critical non-clinical and support functions.
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