Applying for Scientist Trainee Programme 2020

Hi,

I am student going to my final year undergraduate doing biomedical science (biochemistry) and I’m interested in applying for the 2020 NHS STP programme. I hear it’s very competitive and difficult to get into so if anyone that is towards this trainee program or gone through that already could help. I would very much appreciate it. If you could give little advise being on successful and any tips especially on the aptitude tests which ones might it entail and how to prepare for it please.

I’m interested in the clinical biochemistry route. If anyone can help please let me know ✌🏽

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1

Demi.star

Hi,

I'm also in a similar position to you. Although I haven't been through the process of applying yet, I would recommend that you look at the entry requirements on the NHS STP website and make sure you meet them. For example for genomic counseling, you need the equivalent of 6 months full-time experience in a care setting and need to have done a genetics module.
Also, they have recommended this for practicing for the aptitude tests- https://www.trytalentq.com/
Maybe google some numerical and logical tests as well and practice some basic mental maths too.
Good Luck

Reply 2

Bays

Yeah alright I will do further research on later. I will check the link out. I do have a year’s experience in another area so this might help. I found a blog of graduate student who had no experience and still managed to make it into the STP.

Thank you Demi

Reply 3

danathomas2208

Hi, I have just graduated from uni and am working currently, im wondering if anyone knows what dates for the 2020 entry application open? My degree is in medical genetics and would be looking at going into genetic counselling, I have a years research experience from during my degree and working in a lab now doing water testing, due to working full time it would be really difficult to get experience in a care setting as has been said in this thread, do you reckon volunteer work in hospice or care settings would be enough? As if I didnt get into this programme, I am thinking of doing my UKAT exam to go to GEM which also requires care setting experienceTbh just looking for advice in general as I have no idea what im doing with my lifeThanks

Reply 4

GeorgiaEliza

Applications usually open in January and close in February, I believe.

Reply 5

sjurczak1

Hi all- I’m a 3rd year Repro STP-happy to answer any questions.

For anyone wishing to get into embryology or andrology there are currently two applicable jobs on NHS jobs-one at newcastle and one at Salisbury.

Reply 6

lucyhanc

@sjurczak1
Hi, I am interested in applying to the repro scheme, are these the only places available this year? In previous years I know they offered positions in the north west- are these not available this year? Also, do you know where I could find location of the specialties, these used to be on the website for previous years but I can't find it now. Thanks!

Reply 7

sivashar

Dear allI am interested doing audiology masters thru stp.I am from IndiaIs it possible. How to get admission and is it automatic once you get admission your posting or we need to apply separately for the hospital

Reply 8

sjurczak1

Original post by lucyhanc

The jobs i referred to above were not STP jobs, but jobs that would certainly help you along your path. Many people take multiple attempts to get onto the repro scheme so i would be applying to jobs like those above for the experience and as back-up!

The locations for the 2020 intake will definitely be uploaded to the STP website once they've been decided and are made available, so keep checking there.

Reply 9

Mej96

Hi does anyone know when the open day in Manchester will be? Thanks

Reply 10

sghcarte

Hi all,

I am a Maths and Physics graduate looking to apply to the Medical Physics stream for the 2020 intake. If anyone else is looking to do the same please feel free to drop me a message so we can compare application notes!

Thanks,

Reply 11

A_Irv

Hi everyone,

I am keen to apply for the Cardiac physiology specialism for next year, I applied a few years ago at uni and passed the aptitude test but unfortunately didn't get to the interview stage. I'm hoping I have a bit more experience in a care setting in private healthcare and the NHS in a different field though! I'm also trying to get some work experience in a cardiac physiology department. If anyone has any advice about strengthening my application or how to get more experience it would be greatly appreciated!.
Thank you :smile:

Reply 12

QHT123

Yup, application opens in January last year, assume it will be the same this year :smile:

Reply 13

sjurczak1

Original post by Mej96

Hi does anyone know when the open day in Manchester will be? Thanks

For which specialism?

Reply 14

m2208k

Hi,
I didn't know whether to post this in this post or the 2019 one. I'm in the process of writing my application (trying to be organised) and I'm really struggling with the second question (In less than 250 words, please describe your commitment, interest and enjoyment of scientific practice and technology. Please provide examples of how you seek to develop, improve and adopt innovative processes in your work or studies).
I feel like I have a lot to talk about in the other questions but I'm struggling to address how i 'develop, improve and adopt innovative processes' as I'm a student. Any ideas?
Thank you in advance.

Reply 15

QHT123

Original post by m2208k

I talked about the experience I had during my final year research project and also some Hackathon-like events I joined.

Reply 16

N7AndersonD

Hi all,

Anyone in here looking at Genomics or clinical bioinformatics (Genomics)? Im a graduate currently trying to secure a role as a genetic technologist to further my application for the STP.

The competition ratios are very high for these two specialisms. It would be great to hear from any successful applicants for these specialisms about what their background is like.

Reply 17

Poppaleeki

Does anybody know whether the locations for the open days are the final locations of study?? The closest to me at the minute is 4 hours away 😭

Reply 18

MalavikaSR

Hi there,If you know about the online test we have to take and when we have to take them (for the 2020 intake) , could you please let me know? I am a bit confused about whether the Online test is to be done within January and February or if we have to do it before and just attatch the scores of the test. Thank you :smile:

Reply 19

stulfc

Original post by Poppaleeki

Does anybody know whether the locations for the open days are the final locations of study?? The closest to me at the minute is 4 hours away 😭

Locations of the open days and locations of study are two distinct things. I know Manchester and Southampton have open days there are others too which will update in the coming weeks/months. Regarding the study locations just depends which subject you study. E.G Audiology is taught at Manchester and Aston.