All that you need to know about: Widening Access to Specialty Training (WAST)

What is WAST?

Widening Access to Specialty Training (WAST) is a foundation year 2 level job post aimed to provide IMGs with foundation competencies at the end so that they can apply for further training.

What is the duration of WAST?

It is a 12 months long job post.

Is WAST available in all countries of the U.K.?

WAST is only for recruitment in England. The post is not available in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

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What does WAST involve?

WAST comprises of :

• Up to 12 months in acute hospital specialties with potentially 4–6 months in psychiatry
• Two-week taster session in a GP practice
• Taster sessions in a mental health setting if required

Who is WAST beneficial for?

It is very beneficial for doctors with interests in further training in Acute/ Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, or General Practice.

But if you are unsure about your preferences, it is a great opportunity for you as a new doctor as it gives you the clinical and educational experience, along with foundation competencies at the end so that they can apply for further training.

When is the WAST post advertised?

It is offered in February and August of each year.

How do you apply?

You need to apply for WAST through the Oriel website.

What are the person specifications for WAST?

You can find them here: LINK

What does the process comprise of?

After your application, you are longlisted for the Situational Judgement Test ( SJT).

If you achieve successful outcomes, you are called in for the final round of selection consisting of patient interaction scenarios (in person; not on Skype).

What are the alternatives to WAST?

1. You can apply for a non-training post and then get a CREST form signed by your consultant to apply for further training.
2. You can apply for a stand-alone F2 / F2 Locum appointment for training/F2 LAT post.

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Did I apply for WAST?

I applied for WAST in 2019. I cleared the SJTs but my interview got canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I went for the alternative route of getting my CREST form signed by my consultant while continuing in a non-training job.