South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
ECA/EAA - Paramedic Apprenticeship Programme
The closing date is 25 October 2026
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 or who have worked for SWASFT for 18 months and have a minimum of 6 months experience in a patient facing health care role.
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 Level 6 BSc degree programme. On successful completion, apprentices will achieve a BSc (Hons) in Paramedic Science and be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Paramedic.
The apprenticeship is delivered through one of two university partners and combines distance learning, virtual teaching, and mandatory face-to-face study days. Before starting the programme, applicants must successfully complete a bridging module.
To support successful completion of the apprenticeship, learners will move onto the Apprenticeship Relief Rota. This provides the flexibility to continue working operationally as an ECA/EAA while attending planned university study weeks and completing the required placement days. All university attendance is rostered and forms part of contracted working hours.
Due to the academic and placement commitments of the programme, apprentices cannot remain on their existing rota line. The relief rota is designed to support both operational duties and learning requirements throughout the programme.
Further information can be found in theParamedic Apprenticeship Prospectus 2026/27
Successful completion of the apprenticeship does not guarantee appointment to a Newly Qualified Paramedic role. Those who complete the programme and meet the required criteria will be invited to apply for NQP vacancies through a streamlined recruitment process that fairly assesses readiness for practice.
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 SWASFT Apprenticeship and Skills levy.
- Prerequisite bridging module- £1750 self-funded payable to the trust upon commencement of NQP role.
Contract type: 37.5 hours
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Be able to evidence certificates of GCSE in Maths (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 2026.
- Be able to evidence certificates of GCSE in English Language (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 2026.
- Applicants will be required to nominate their current Clinical Team Manager (CTM) as a referee as part of the application process. It is expected that applicants will have discussed their intention to apply with their CTM and obtained their support before submitting an application. This will help ensure that applicants fully understand the commitments associated with the programme and that appropriate support can be provided throughout the recruitment process.
Length of Service
- Must be a current front-line SWAST NHS ECA/EAA and have a minimum of two years' experience in the role by 31 March 2027. Time spent undertaking your ECA training may be counted towards this experience requirement. 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.We appreciate that some individuals looking to apply have experience working for another ambulance service, we are therefore happy to accept applications from individuals who have worked for SWAST for 18 months and have a minimum of 6 months experience with another ambulance service.
Working Hours
- You must have a current substantive contract in place and be working a minimum of 30 hours per week at the time the apprenticeship begins
Supporting Statement
- Your supporting statement will be assessed against the requirements of a Trainee Paramedic role. Particular consideration will be given to your understanding of the Trust's values and strategic objectives, your understanding of the paramedic profession and motivation for pursuing this career, your awareness of the apprenticeship programme and its delivery model, and the evidence you provide of relevant preparation, continuing professional development (CPD), and personal research.
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
£25,760 to £27,476 a yearper annum - progress to Band 4 six months into Apprenticeship
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ECA/EAA - Paramedic Apprenticeship Programme in Exeter employer: SWAST
At South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and innovative work environment. As an Education Lead, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on pre-hospital patient care through high-quality training and education, while benefiting from a culture that values professional development and collaboration. With flexible working patterns and a commitment to employee growth, our Trust offers a unique chance to thrive in a meaningful role across various locations in the North.
