The midwifery taster course was first run in 2006 following numerous requests from local students to the acute trusts for work experience and concern about attrition from the 3-year pre-registration midwifery programme. A focus group with a local comprehensive school inspired the creation of a 5.5-day course incorporating theoretical academic and clinical exposure. The latter includes acute and community settings. This article details the course outline and qualitative findings from evaluations relating to the students' experiences. Students commented on the role and scope of midwifery practice, professionalism and team work, comparisons between acute and community midwifery and the student–mentor relationship. Of the four students from this cohort who applied to the 3- year programme, all are successfully continuing their studies.