Become a Unified Learning Environment with PCWTH
The Primary Care Workforce & Training Hub (PCWTH) envisions a future where all primary care services in Yorkshire and Humber become Unified Learning Environments (ULEs) to build a strong primary care workforce. A ULE describes a learning environment where a placement provider offers placements to learners across various healthcare professions. By becoming an accredited ULE, your practice, Primary Care Network, or Federation can offer students hands-on learning opportunities, allowing them to build core competencies in a realistic primary care setting.
A ULE provides a supportive environment where learners can apply skills, deepen knowledge, and work toward competency. Our goal is to provide meaningful primary care experiences that encourage students to choose primary care as a career path after qualification. Together, we can create a sustainable, future-ready workforce that strengthens primary care in Yorkshire and Humber.
What are Placements?
PCWTH connects students with essential placement opportunities in primary care, helping them gain practical skills and insights that support both their academic and career goals. Placements vary in length based on course requirements and play a crucial role in preparing students for a career in healthcare.
PCWTH collaborates closely with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to facilitate placements for healthcare courses, aligning with NHS England objectives. To meet the growing demand, we’re expanding placement capacity through collaboration, varied supervision models, simulation, project-based experiences, and “spoke” style placements.
Our learners come from diverse healthcare backgrounds, including nursing, GP trainees, allied health professionals, pharmacists, and various ARRS roles. Each learner has unique needs regarding placement length and experience but benefits from high-quality, supportive environments where they can develop skills and consider a career in primary care.
Why Host a Learner?
Hosting a learner brings significant benefits:
- Potential to recruit new team members or support the local workforce
- Promotion of evidence-based practice among staff
- Enhanced critical thinking skills within the team
- Increased staff retention
- Greater diversity and creative thinking within your practice
How to Become a Placement Provider
PCWTH encourages all GP practices to consider hosting student placements. By doing so, you help inspire students to remain in the region post-graduation, supporting local workforce development.
If you’re interested in becoming a placement provider, please email your regional PCWTH, and a member of our team will reach out to discuss next steps.
