Build your workplace skills at Willow Ward
Step into Willow Ward, meet your new healthcare team and discover what it's really like to support patients.
What is Willow Ward?
Willow Ward is an interactive employability virtual work experience designed to help you build the skills you'll need in the workplace.
You'll take on the role of a Trainee Healthcare Support Worker, working alongside a fictional healthcare team and supporting patients through everyday challenges.
From managing your workload to responding when a patient needs help, every scenario gives you the chance to practise, make decisions and learn from the experience, then you'll get a certificate.
No previous healthcare experience needed. Just a willingness to give it a go.
Realistic situations. Real workplace skills
Across four simulations, you'll face different challenges inspired by working in Health & Social Care.
Meet your new team
Get to know your colleagues, understand their responsibilities and practise communicating with different healthcare professionals
Support your first patient
Meet Margaret, who's recovering from hip surgery. Practise listening, showing empathy and responding to her individual needs
Make important decisions
What would you do if a patient suddenly felt unwell? Learn how to recognise concerns, communicate clearly and decide when to ask for help
Practise without the pressure
Your first job can come with plenty of new situations. What should you say? Who should you ask? How do you know what to do next?
Willow Ward gives you the opportunity to practise these moments before you experience them in real life.
You'll respond to workplace messages, have conversations with patients, complete realistic tasks and make decisions in a safe, simulated environment.
Make choices, learn from them and build confidence at your own pace.
Skills you'll build
The situations might take place in a hospital, but the skills you'll develop can help you in almost any workplace.
Supporting patients
Listen, show empathy and respond to individual needs
Communicate professionally
Speak clearly and confidently with patients and colleagues
Recognise and respond
Spot when something needs attention and take appropriate action
Record information accurately
Capture important details clearly so others can act on them
Decision making
Think through challenges and decide what to do next
Earn your certificate
Complete the simulation to unlock a Waypoint verified certificate, ready to share on LinkedIn, attach to applications, or talk about in interviews.
Fully verified
Verified by Waypoint
Share your success
Downloadable PDF ready to be uploaded to your LinkedIn
Personal touch
Includes a personalised performance summary
Ready to put your skills to the test?
Your first shift at Willow Ward is waiting. Step into realistic workplace situations, practise essential employability skills and discover what you're capable of.
