ECA/EAA - Apprentice Paramedic Programme

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

ECA/EAA – Apprentice Paramedic Programme

The closing date is 26 October 2025

The Trust runs an internal education pathway, the Paramedic Apprenticeship Programme, in collaboration with two different Universities for those aspiring to train to become a paramedic. This programme is open to staff with a minimum of two years service as an emergency care assistant (ECA/EAA) with SWAST.

Higher level and degree apprenticeships are a great option for people of any age. As long as you\’re committed and passionate, then you could benefit from the opportunity to learn and earn alongside your job in the Trust.

Apprenticeship programmes are designed to be studied whilst working, to help you progress academically and professionally in your programme of study and in your career. On the apprenticeship programme, you will benefit from a workplace mentor and a university personal tutor, who will work together to monitor your progress regularly.

Every individual is different, but someone who is well organised, hardworking, resilient, able to work in a team and conduct themselves as a confident individual stands a great chance of being successful as an apprentice. Your programme will not just provide an academic education, but help you develop as an individual.

Main duties of the job

The Paramedic Apprenticeship is a BSc level-6-degree programme

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will have a BSc Hons in Paramedic Science with eligibility to apply to the HCPC for registration as a Paramedic.

• The apprenticeship is a distance learning programme in collaboration with one of two Universities. During your time on the course, you will be provided with opportunities of blended learning with virtual lessons and some mandatory face-to-face contact days at training locations. There is a prerequisite bridging module to successfully complete before you can commence on the apprenticeship.
• On your commencement of the Apprenticeship programme, you will need to move to structured relief to allow flexibility in planning your placements accordingly. Your university days will be scheduled on to GRS and will count towards your hours worked.
• Please refer to the for more detailed information about the programme.

Paramedic Apprenticeship Prospectus 2025

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices will be required to apply for any available Newly Qualified Paramedic (NQP) positions through the standard NHS recruitment process. Please see attached supporting documents for further information.

About us

You will be expected to adhere to the HCPC Code of Conduct of Performance and Ethics, as well as the Student Code of Conduct, from your commencement on the programme, otherwise you may face a Fitness to Practice hearing or review with the University which will determine your continuation on the programme.

Guidance on the HCPC Student Code of Conduct and Ethics can be foundhere

Job responsibilities

Paramedic Apprenticeship Programme- BSC (Hons) in Paramedic Science

• 6-month prerequisite bridging module
• 2-years on the apprenticeship

Fees

• The apprenticeship- funded by the levy and tuition will be covered by the Trust
• Prerequisite bridging module- £1750 self-funded payable to the trust on graduation

Contract type: 37.5 hours

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Be able to evidence certificates of GCSE in Maths and English (Grade 4 or above, historically A-C) or an equivalent Level 2 functional skills certificates for the same. Certificates must be emailed to the Paramedic Apprenticeship Team by the 2nd November 2025.
• Any level 4/5/6 awards that related to Paramedicine or Health science
• Completion of Head start plus module

Length of Service

• Have a minimum of two years\’ experience as a front-line SWAST NHS ECA/EAA. (your period of ECA training can count towards satisfying the experience requirement); the two years experience must be completed before 31st March 2026.
• Colleagues who have joined SWAST via TUPE are eligible to apply, provided they have completed at least two years of experience as an Front line patient care role and have met the required working hours. Applicants will need to provide evidence of this experience, such as a contract or similar documentation

Working Hours

• At commencement of the apprenticeship, to be working a minimum of 30 contracted hours per week (you must have a minimum of 3150 operations hours prior to applying);

Supporting Statement

• This supporting statement will be formally assessed against the criteria for the Paramedic Apprenticeship role. It includes evidence of my preparation, understanding of the Trust\’s values and strategic priorities, and how these align with the responsibilities of the role and the apprenticeship pathway.

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

£24,937 to £26,598 a yearper annum – progress to Band 4 six months into Apprenticeship