At a Glance
- Tasks: Diagnose and repair vehicles to keep ambulances ready for action.
- Company: Join the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Earn up to £41,000 with bonuses, plus 27 days holiday and career progression.
- Why this job: Use your skills to support frontline crews and help patients in need.
- Qualifications: HND in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional development and wellbeing support.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 41000 £ per year.
Vehicle Technician (Mechanic) Dorset
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
The closing date is 27 October 2025
We\’re Hiring! Join our dynamic Fleet & Equipment team today in Dorset 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.
You can earn up to and over £41,000 with unsocial and overtime payments subject to availability of shifts.
Your skills are needed to keep our ambulances on the road to ensure our frontline 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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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 SWASFT – Fleet Technicians.
This position is based at Ferndown Workshop and has a starting salary of £31,049pa.
This vacancy attracts unsocial and overtime rates under NHS Agenda for Change. For more information please visit Unsocial hours payments | NHS Employers.
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’ll 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 of 10,000 square miles 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.
At the heart of our beautiful and diverse region we employ over 6,000 people and are supported by over 575 volunteers.
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, resources and development you need to thrive in your role.
You will have opportunities to progress to roles at a higher pay grade 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
- Cycle-to-work and other salary sacrifice schemes
- Staff networks
- Access to a 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.
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
- C1 on Driving Licence
- Has previous working experience and good knowledge of a variety of vehicles and equipment
- 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.
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
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Vehicle Technician (Mechanic) Dorset employer: South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vehicle Technician (Mechanic) Dorset
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research South Western Ambulance Service and understand their values. When you show that you’re aligned with their mission of compassionate care, it’ll make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local job fairs. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider tips or even a referral, which can boost your chances of landing that role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! As a Vehicle Technician, you might face hands-on tests. Brush up on your diagnostic skills and be ready to showcase your expertise in fault finding and repairs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and opportunities directly from us, making your job search smoother.
We think you need these skills to ace Vehicle Technician (Mechanic) Dorset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Vehicle Technician role. Highlight your relevant experience, skills, and qualifications that match what we're looking for. This shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you want to work with us at South Western Ambulance Service and how your skills can make a difference. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical expertise! Be specific about your experience with fault diagnosis, repairs, and maintenance of vehicles. Mention any tools or diagnostic equipment you're familiar with to impress us.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical and electrical knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific vehicles and equipment you've worked on, as well as any diagnostic tools you're familiar with. This will show that you’re not just a technician, but a knowledgeable one!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since the role emphasises working as part of a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous jobs. Highlighting your ability to work well with colleagues will resonate with their values of 'One Team'.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions about fault diagnosis and repair scenarios. Think of specific challenges you've faced and how you resolved them. This will showcase your critical thinking and technical skills, which are crucial for keeping ambulances on the road.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the Trust's values: One Team, Compassionate, Innovative. Prepare to discuss how you embody these values in your work. This alignment can set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re a great cultural fit.