Blogs > NHS Recruitment Process / Useful Information

WAST: Widening Access to Specialty Training for IMGs

• February 06, 2019

The NHS has launched a new initiative to allow international doctors to work and train in England, prior to obtaining NHS experience (as is required to apply for a training post).

The new initiative will allow you to experience a programme which will ensure you develop the skills and competencies needed to apply a training programme after you have completed it.

During the initiative, you will work six months in a Psychiatry post, six months in an Acute hospital setting and a two-week taster session within a General Practice Surgery.

The NHS states that this post is perfect for doctors who want to pursue a career in General Practice (internationally known as family medicine) or Psychiatry.

Bonus! A financial relocation package will be provided.

How do I apply for WAST?

First, you will need to update your CV and then make an online application here.

If you are successful, you will then be invited to attend an interview and assessment centre located in the UK. It is likely that your interview will be held in Manchester.  

Interviews are expected to be held in March 2019, August 2019 and March 2020 and then posts likely to start in February or August the next year.

Please note, you will still need via the PLAB route to start a WAST post.

What is the advantage of WAST?

This is a fantastic opportunity for international doctors looking to pursue a long-term career within the UK and receive training. By completing WAST, you will have access to:

• Top quality training and development
• Good standard of pay
• Work experience within one of the world’s largest healthcare systems

Am I eligible to apply for WAST?

To apply, you must have the following:

• A GMC recognised primary medical qualification
• Eligible for full GMC registration
• Eligible to legally work in the UK
• Have additional qualifications such as ILS, ALS,
• Have recently completed your internship and have six-twelve months postgraduate experience

For further information on how to access UK Specialty Training within the NHS, read our blog post here.

Please click here to gain access to the WAST Application Form.

Please click here to gain access to the Additional Employment History Form

Please click here to gain access to the Fitness to the Practise Declaration

Are you a member of our Facebook Group IMG Advisor?

Here, you will have access to relocation blog posts and updates, the opportunity to receive professional support and the chance to meet other IMGs. 

References

training. (2019).  Training > Recruitment > Widening Access to Specialty Training > About the programme. ] Available at: https://specialtytraining.hee.nhs.uk/Recruitment/Widening-Access-to-Specialty-Training/About-the-programme [Accessed 5 Feb. 2019].

. (2019). Apply. ] Available at: https://specialtytraining.hee.nhs.uk/Recruitment/Widening-Access-to-Specialty-Training/Apply [Accessed 5 Feb. 2019].