At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to become a Paramedic while providing urgent care in real-life situations.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in the emergency services sector.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, with competitive pay and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a difference in people's lives and gain valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, with GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science or equivalent.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and opportunities for career advancement await you.
You must be over the age of 18 to apply, due to the driving restrictions and working time regulations relating to shift working. There is no upper age limit. The training you will need to become a Paramedic is included in this pathway. The programme is approximately 42 months in duration. Following initial induction and driver training at one of our education centres, apprentices will undertake a mixture of continued classroom education and placements within our patient facing 999 operational teams. All apprentices will undertake an end point assessment. Throughout the programme, you will be supported by a dedicated apprenticeship team and a mentor. You will learn in the classroom, simulation suites and on the road in an ambulance. Classroom training will take place at one of our education centres in Bicester Oxfordshire, Newbury Berkshire or Whiteley Hampshire. Placements will take place at your designated station.
Stage 1 – Undertake a Level 4 Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP) Apprenticeship. This part of the apprenticeship is approximately 18 months in duration. Following initial induction and driver training at one of our education centres, apprentices will undertake a mixture of continued classroom education and placements within our Frontline 999 Operational Teams working towards the Level 4 Diploma for Associate Ambulance Practitioners. During these operational placements, apprentices will work alongside qualified clinicians responding to urgent and emergency calls, developing their AAP skills, knowledge and behaviours whilst consolidating practice through completion of an apprenticeship portfolio. At the end of the 18-month apprenticeship, apprentices will undertake an End Point Assessment. Before commencement of stage 2, there is a period of consolidation.
Stage 2 – Undertake a 2 year Bachelor of Science (Hons) Degree in Paramedic Science and become a HCPC registered Newly Qualified Paramedic. The postholder will provide urgent, emergency and social care to patients in a pre-hospital environment in accordance with the role of Apprentice Student Paramedic. They will ensure that they deliver the service in accordance with their apprenticeship training, scope of practice and guidance under structured supervision. They will act in accordance with the Trust and university’s policies, procedures and protocols, Apprentice Student Paramedic’s scope of practice, appropriate sections of the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC) guidelines and current legislation, including the Health and Care Professions Council standard of conduct and ethics for students, at all times.
You will be responsible for providing (under supervision) care, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and movement of patients in and out of hospital in emergency and non-emergency situations across a wider range of patient groups, in a wider range of settings. Once all aspects of the Apprenticeship programme have been successfully completed and HCPC registered, you will become a Newly Qualified Paramedic. You will be trained to drive what is, in effect, a mobile emergency clinic to resuscitate and/or stabilise patients using sophisticated techniques, equipment and drugs. Once you become a Newly Qualified Paramedic, you might be called out to someone who has fallen from scaffolding, for example, or an elderly person with a suspected stroke. Based at a local ambulance station along with other emergency crews, you will work shifts, including evenings and weekends, going out in all weathers at all hours of the day or night. You will work closely with doctors and nurses in hospital emergency departments, briefing them as you hand your patient over into their care.
Entry requirements These are some of the essential criteria you will need to be successful as a Paramedic; more detailed criteria are available in the Person Specification for the role:
- 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including Maths, English Language, and a Science (Integrated/Combined Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or equivalent. (Functional Skills level 2 will be accepted in lieu of GCSE Maths and English Language).
- Full UK Manual Driving Licence and C1 (provisional accepted at the time of application – must have ‘full’ C1 6-weeks prior to starting employment in position if successful). (SCAS will consider applications who have up to 3 live penalty points to their licence).
- Flexible, with a willingness to work shifts.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Knowledge of the Highway Code.
If you have any questions, please call 01869-365000 option 1 for the recruitment team.
What is the package?
- Salary: Trainee Paramedic Apprenticeship Band 4 indicative (plus Unsocial Hours in line with Section 2 of Agenda for Change)
- Hours: Full time: 37.5 hours per week (part-time hours may be available on completion of training).
- Location: Various throughout Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Hampshire
- Annual leave: Minimum 27 days plus statutory public holidays, pro rata for part-time staff
- Shift pattern: Rota covering 24 hours, 7 days a week – shift patterns vary by area.
Trainee Paramedic employer: South Central Ambulance Service
Contact Detail:
South Central Ambulance Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Paramedic
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values and mission. When you show up for an interview, you want to demonstrate that you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. The more comfortable you are with your answers, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look professional and appropriate for the role. It shows you respect the opportunity and are serious about joining the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Paramedic
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’s packed with important info about what we’re looking for in a Trainee Paramedic, so don’t skip this step!
Show Off Your Qualifications: When filling out your application, highlight your qualifications and any relevant experience. We want to see how you meet the essential criteria, so be specific about your GCSEs and driving licence status.
Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for team players who are flexible and ready to work shifts, so share your passion for helping others and why you want to become a Paramedic.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Central Ambulance Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Trainee Paramedic inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, the training process, and the skills you'll need. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
As a Trainee Paramedic, teamwork is crucial. Be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before. Highlight your ability to collaborate under pressure, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle emergencies. Think about potential situations you might face on the job and how you would respond. Practising these scenarios can give you a real edge during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. This could be about the training programme, mentorship opportunities, or the team culture. It shows you're engaged and serious about the role, which can leave a lasting impression.