The University’s Occupational Health Service is playing a vital role in protecting the wellbeing and health of our staff and students on campus. At a time when the UK faces a declining occupational health workforce, Manchester is leading the way by introducing nursing and medical students to this essential field early in their careers.

Through dynamic, real‑world placements, students gain hands‑on experience across a wide variety of settings. From health surveillance to immunisation and vaccination programmes and community engagement work supporting vulnerable populations, learners see firsthand how work, environment and organisational culture influence long-term health.

Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing interest in pursuing occupational health as a career. The initiative has also drawn both local and national attention, with discussions underway about scaling this model more widely.

Aligned with the University’s 2035 ambition to embed meaningful, partner‑enabled learning, this initiative is helping students develop the insight, confidence and real-world experience they need to thrive in modern healthcare practice.

• Read the full story to explore how this impactful initiative is inspiring the next generation of occupational health professionals.