MORE than 40 students have taken part in a new work experience programme at Airedale Hospital.

The pupils – from years ten and 12 at several schools including Holy Family in Keighley and South Craven School, Cross Hills – spent a week at the Steeton hospital.

They were given a taste of admin-based roles in various departments across the health trust, from finance and the library to IT and the vaccination centre.

Clare Hogg, organisational learning and improvement officer at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Work experience is a great opportunity to give students an insight into real-time working scenarios.

"Many students of this age will have little or no experience of the workplace. This programme enables them to gain skills – such as in self-management, team working, communication, and IT and software – that are valuable to future employers."

Placements at the hospital can be arranged by emailing anhsft.oli@nhs.net.