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- Tasks: Deliver high-quality care and transport non-emergency patients safely.
- Company: Join the Scottish Ambulance Service, a vital healthcare provider in Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a training salary, career progression, and ongoing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Passes in English and Maths, full driving license, and category C1 preferred.
- Other info: Flexible hours with part-time options; training leads to a Level 3 Certificate.
The predicted salary is between 22672 - 28011 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for Trainee Ambulance Care Assistants (ACA) based in Tayside, Fife and Lothians Ambulance Stations. As an ACA, you will be responsible for delivering high quality care and safe transportation for non-emergency patients from their homes to hospital and clinic appointments and inter-hospital transfers and discharge of patients from hospital. In addition, there may be a requirement to support the A&E Service by transporting suitable patients, referred on the day by GPs to Assessment units, and underpin the A&E Service at Major Incidents/accidents.
You must therefore have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be a team player and be able to engage with a range of people who are often at their most vulnerable. This is a key role, offering a vital service to the people of Scotland.
You will work an average of 37 hours per week which will include weekend, evening and public holiday working. Part-time applications will also be considered. The successful applicants for these posts will be enrolled on our bespoke clinical training programme and will be an employee of the Scottish Ambulance Service from the date of commencement.
The training programme is initially conducted at one of our Regional Education Centres and will lead to a Level 3 Certificate in Ambulance Patient Care – Non-Urgent Care Service. This includes a recognised driving module. Following initial training you will be posted to your allocated Ambulance Station where other qualified staff will mentor you, in addition to ongoing learning support from the Education Team to complete the course portfolio.
Applicants should have achieved passes in Standard Grade/’O’ grade / Nat 4 or equivalent in both English and Maths. Please note, you will be required to evidence these qualifications prior to undertaking the selection process. You should also possess a full driving license with no more than 4 penalty points prior to applying. In addition, successful candidates will require to have category C1 on their license 6 weeks’ prior to their start date. Due to course date restraints, preference will be given to candidates who already possess category C1 on their driving license.
As part of the selection process, you will require to undertake a fitness test and interview, full details of which will be sent to you if you are successful at the application shortlisting stage. We offer a training salary of £22,672 pro rata per annum rising to £28,011 pro rata upon successful completion of the training programme. This will further increase to £30,230 with increments in line with Agenda for Change.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and can be made to the following:
- Tayside – Stuart Payne, Area Service Manager - stuartmichael.payne@nhs.scot
- Fife – Susan Knight, Area Service Manager – susananne.knight@nhs.scot
- Lothians – Angela Mather, Area Service Manager – angela.mather@nhs.scot
Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team.
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
Trainee Ambulance Care Assistants employer: NHS National Services Scotland
Contact Detail:
NHS National Services Scotland Recruiting Team
stuartmichael.payne@nhs.scot
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Ambulance Care Assistants
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the role of an Ambulance Care Assistant by researching the responsibilities and challenges involved. Understanding the day-to-day tasks will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current or former Ambulance Care Assistants through social media platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share tips on how to excel in the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the fitness test by incorporating relevant exercises into your routine. Being physically fit is crucial for this role, so showing that you are proactive about your fitness can impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to the Area Service Managers listed in the job description for informal enquiries. This shows your initiative and genuine interest in the position, and they may provide you with additional information that could be beneficial during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Ambulance Care Assistants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Trainee Ambulance Care Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure that your application clearly states your qualifications, especially your passes in English and Maths. If you have category C1 on your driving licence, mention it prominently as it is a key requirement.
Showcase Interpersonal Skills: In your application, emphasise your interpersonal and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've engaged with vulnerable individuals or worked effectively in a team setting.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Trainee Ambulance Care Assistant position. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS National Services Scotland
✨Show Your Compassion
As a Trainee Ambulance Care Assistant, you'll be working with vulnerable patients. Make sure to express your understanding of their needs and demonstrate your ability to provide compassionate care during the interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
This role requires excellent teamwork. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment, especially in high-pressure situations, to show that you can collaborate effectively with others.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think about potential situations you might face as an ACA and how you would handle them, particularly in emergencies.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and be ready to discuss how you would communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
