At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain and repair ambulances, ensuring they’re ready for emergency care.
- Company: Be part of South Western Ambulance Service, dedicated to providing top-notch emergency care across England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £1,250 bonus, flexible shifts, career growth, and discounts from various UK organisations.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: HND in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience; previous vehicle repair experience is essential.
- Other info: Work in vibrant Bristol with excellent transport links and a lively atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 24900 - 34900 £ per year.
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Vehicle Technician (Mechanic) Bristol
The closing date is 17 February 2026
We\’re Hiring! Join our dynamic Fleet & Equipment team today and earn a one-off payment of £1,250! This payment will be paid to you upon successful completion of your 3 month probation period.
Your skills are needed to keep our ambulances on the road to ensure our front line crews are ready and able to treat our patients when they need us the most. What better way to use your expertise to an organisation that makes a difference!
In return we offer you full training, career opportunities over time, rota shifts that provide rest days on weekdays, enhanced payments for unsocial hours, opportunities for overtime, support channels for your wellbeing, working with a one-team supportive approach to make everyday enjoyable.
The role is full time with an average working week of 37.5 hours dependent on rota line. The team currently works 7 days per week including all bank holidays, inclusive of festive period.
There will be a range of tasks to complete which include the following:
- Fault diagnosis and repair
- Electrical/Electronic fault diagnosis and repair
- Equipment testing
- Maintenance and repair
Have a look at our video which will give a deeper insight into the role: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD_v2uYJbDI
This position is based at Bristol Workshop and has a starting salary of £31,049 per annum.
This vacancy attracts unsocial and overtime rates under NHS Agenda for Change. For more information please visit: https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/unsocial-hours-payments
Main duties of the job
The role of the Vehicle Technician (Mechanic) for South Western Ambulance Service provides an opportunity to work as part of friendly professional team working in a Fleet Workshop based environment ensuring that our vehicles and equipment are maintained to the highest of standards. It also provides opportunities to develop your career with us either within the Fleet and Equipment team or within the wider Trust in both patient-facing and a variety of support roles.
You’ll undertake service, maintenance and repair activities on motor vehicles and equipment to the highest of standard while carrying out all work completely and effectively whilst adhering to the Trust’s and manufacturer\’s scheduled times. You’ll effectively record details of diagnosis, work completed, and components utilised in line with the Trust’s and manufacturer\’s standards. You’ll help keep work areas clean and tidy, organised, and safe from hazards to the Trust’s health and safety policy. You will be able to work independently and as part of the team when required. You’ll also be aware of the importance and implication of maintaining high levels of the Trust\’s satisfaction and work levels to ensure they are met at all times. You will always work towards the Trust\’s Values – One Team, Compassionate, Innovative.
About us
Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.
We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.
The role is based in Bristol, a lively yet laid-back city with top class shopping, street food, dynamic events and friendly festivals and excellent national and international transport links.
If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples\’ lives, then we would love to hear from you.
In return we will equip you with the skills and resources you need to thrive in your role.
You will have opportunities to progress to roles across the Trust and enjoy continuous professional development.
- A standard working week of 37.5 hours
- Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
- Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
- Career and salary progression
- Car leasing scheme
- Free parking across Trust sites
- Staff networks
- Wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK
Job responsibilities
For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.
Right to work/Certificate of sponsorship This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current Home Office regulations. You must have the existing right to work in the UK to be considered for this position. For further information on visa sponsorship and eligibility, please refer to the UK Government guidance on Skilled Worker visas: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
- HND in Mechanical/electrical or electronic engineering or equivalent, OR knowledge demonstrated at equivalent standard gained through relevant experience/training
- Recognised Motor Vehicle Indentured Apprenticeship or training scheme
- Motor Vehicle Craft Studies Parts 1, 2 & 3 or Motor Vehicle Technicians Parts 1, 2 & 3 or BTEC equivalent
- Has significant experience of fault finding/diagnosis within a vehicle/electronic/mechanical/engineering field
- Proficient experience of using diagnostic equipment to fault find within a medical device and equipment capacity
- Previous experience of using a variety of complex tools and equipment to carry out technical/engineering repairs
- Has significant experience of servicing, repairing of medical equipment
- Has previous experience of diagnosing and repairing vehicles and equipment in a supervisory/management capacity
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Unit 6 Lawrence Hill Ind Est, Croydon Street, Bristol, BS5 0DA
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Vehicle Technician (Mechanic) Bristol employer: SWAST
Contact Detail:
SWAST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vehicle Technician (Mechanic) Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools and diagnostic equipment mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools during an interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust's values and mission. Be prepared to demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs, especially around teamwork, compassion, and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the Trust on professional networking sites. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in fault diagnosis and repair. Have specific examples ready that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure, as these are crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Vehicle Technician (Mechanic) Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Vehicle Technician position. Review the job description carefully to identify key skills and experiences that the South Western Ambulance Service is looking for.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in vehicle maintenance, fault diagnosis, and repair. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your technical skills and ability to work within a team, as these are crucial for this position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the role and the organisation. Mention how your values align with those of the South Western Ambulance Service, such as teamwork and compassion, and explain why you want to contribute to their mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your contact information is correct. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at SWAST
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical and electrical knowledge. Be prepared to discuss specific fault diagnosis techniques and the tools you’ve used in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the role emphasises working as part of a team, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past jobs. Highlight any experiences where you contributed to a positive team environment or helped resolve conflicts.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the Trust's values: One Team, Compassionate, Innovative. Think of examples from your past work that demonstrate these values in action. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the team. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you. Consider asking about training opportunities or how success is measured in the role.