GRID Training
Sub-specialty training in paediatrics is also known as GRID training. It can be undertaken during Level 3 (ST5-8) training, although applications are at the beginning of ST4 or ST5.
It is worth thinking about this early in your career, as it takes time to explore options and to prepare applications for a competitive national recruitment system.
The RCPCH website is an excellent resource for information on GRID training programmes:
The West Midlands Trainee Career Support Network has support for trainees wanting to apply for GRID and SPIN training - there are information evenings run annually which will be advertised on the website, Facebook page and via email from the HEE admin team.
The general GRID Aspirants Evening: 18 October 2022
The recording for the presentation is available below:
GRID Aspirants Evening: 3 January 2023 - Preparing for GRID Interview
The recording for the presentation is available below:
GRID Aspirants Evening: 10 January 2024 - Top Tips for GRID Interview
The recording for the presentation is available below:
The timeline (RCPCH) for the current recruitment round (2022-2023) is outlined below:
It is important to state your preferences in the 'Placement Preference Forms' to communicate to the TPD for ST4-8, especially if you are applying in ST 6 (or ST5 for Progress+ Trainees), so they can consider allocating you ST6 placements which may potentially be back-dated for GRID training if necessary.
We would strongly encourage trainees to contact consultants/ current trainees in their field of interest for advice, to get a better idea of what the application and sub-specialty training processes are like, as well as to find out more about the career options beyond CCT. Some specialities are only practiced in centralised tertiary centres, which makes locations more limited.
SPIN Training/ Modules
An alternative to GRID training is SPIN (SPecial INterest) Training.
SPIN Training involves a 12-18 month placement in a specialty, which would mean that when applying as a consultant, you could demonstrate expertise in a particular area. SPIN, like GRID, is carried out during Level 3 (ST6-8).
The RCPCH has a guide on their website, for trainees interested in finding out which specialties you can do a SPIN module in and how it works. Each SPIN module has an extra curriculum or framework that a trainee will complete during their time in the specialty.
The SPIN application window (September 2023 SPIN start date) is now OPEN.
The Application Timeline for SPIN 2023 is as follows:
We encourage you to contact the TPD for GRID/SPIN/OOP (Careers) or ST4+ TPD if you have any specific queries or concerns about applying and undertaking a SPIN module.
**SPIN Information Evening 2023 was hosted via Zoom on 28 February 2023**
***Brought to you by your Trainee Career Support Network Lead, Dr Anna Smith***
**Supported by your TPD for GRID/SPIN/OOP, Dr Ratna Kumar**
