We are pleased to share that Leeds Health and Care Academy is now leading the delivery of Aspiring Allies across West Yorkshire. Aspiring Allies is a suite of virtual work experience programmes designed by the West Yorkshire AHP Faculty to inspire and develop the next generation of Allied Health Professionals. The programme continues to be supported by the West Yorkshire AHP Council, and will form a key element of the Academy’s wider West Yorkshire digital careers portfolio.
The transition of Aspiring Allies into the Leeds Health and Care Academy represents another step in our ongoing commitment to widening participation, improving access to health and care careers, and providing high‑quality, inclusive experiences for individuals exploring their future pathways. Schools, colleges, young people, job seekers and employers across West Yorkshire will continue to access and benefit from an accessible, professionally-developed work experience programme. Its continued development aligns with regional ambitions to grow and diversify the AHP workforce and ensures consistent, high‑quality career exploration opportunities for learners across the region. This collaborative approach enhances the talent pipeline and contributes to a stronger, more representative future workforce for Leeds and West Yorkshire.
Opportunities to Expand Access Through Virtual Work Experience
Aspiring Allies offers a flexible, engaging, and fully virtual alternative to traditional clinical work experience placements. This approach removes common barriers such as age restrictions, capacity limitations, and logistical challenges, enabling a broader range of learners across West Yorkshire to explore AHP roles in a way that suits their needs and schedules. Already embedded across West Yorkshire, Aspiring Allies can support:
- Schools and colleges – groups and classes can access the programme together from the classroom
- Individuals – particularly those who might not be able to access in-person opportunities, or be ready for in-person work experience
- Employers – as a complementary offer to in-person work experience, or as a pre-requisite for virtual work experience
Programme Offer
The Aspiring Allies suite of virtual work experience programmes provides immersive and accessible introductions to the allied health professions. Each programme incorporates real‑world scenarios, reflective activities and insights from practising professionals.
Current programmes include:
- AHPs Overview – covering all 14 allied health professions and includes webinars with a chance to ask questions to a range of AHP staff
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Dietetics
- Operating Department Practitioner
These experiences are designed to support informed career decision‑making and strengthen understanding of the vital contribution AHPs make across health and care services.
Register for the programme at Virtual Work Based Learning Programme – Aspiring Allies
For further comms and engagement material to promote the programmes please email rebecca.armitage10@nhs.net