At a Glance
- Tasks: Diagnose and repair vehicles to keep our ambulances running smoothly.
- Company: Join the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Earn a £1,250 bonus after probation, plus competitive salary and career growth.
- 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: Enjoy 27 days holiday, free parking, and a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Vehicle Technician (Mechanic) Chippenham
The closing date is 16 February 2026
We’re hiring! Join our dynamic Fleet & Equipment team today in Chippenham 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.
Your skills are needed to keep our ambulances on the road to ensure our front line 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.
- 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 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 a 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 that continually improves 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.
Right to work / Certificate of sponsorship
This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current Home Office regulations, unless on a skilled worker VISA prior to April 2024. You must have the existing right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.
For further information on visa sponsorship and eligibility, please refer to the UK Government guidance on Skilled Worker visas: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
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, NVQ or BTEC equivalent
- C1 on Driving Licence
- 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
- Significant experience of servicing, repairing of medical equipment
- Previous experience of diagnosing and repairing vehicles and equipment in a supervisory/management capacity
- Knowledge and experience of the use and operation of a quality management system
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) Chippenham employer: SWAST
Contact Detail:
SWAST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vehicle Technician (Mechanic) Chippenham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research South Western Ambulance Service and understand their values. When you show that you’re genuinely interested in their mission, 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 the interview by practising common questions related to vehicle maintenance and fault diagnosis. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Vehicle Technician (Mechanic) Chippenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Vehicle Technician role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in fault diagnosis and repair, as well as any specific qualifications you have. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with us at South Western Ambulance Service. Share your enthusiasm for keeping our ambulances on the road and how you embody our values of one team, compassionate, and innovative.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, don't forget to showcase your technical skills and experience with diagnostic equipment. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their hands-on experience with vehicles and medical equipment, so make sure to include that!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you can easily keep track of your application status. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SWAST
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical and electrical knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific fault diagnosis techniques and repair methods you've used in the past. This will show that you’re not just a technician, but someone who understands the intricacies of the job.
✨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 roles. Highlight any experiences where you contributed to a positive team environment or helped resolve conflicts.
✨Emphasise Safety and Standards
Familiarise yourself with health and safety policies relevant to vehicle maintenance. During the interview, mention how you ensure compliance with safety standards in your work. This shows that you take responsibility for your own safety and that of your colleagues.
✨Align with Their Values
The Trust values 'One Team, Compassionate, Innovative'. Think of examples from your past work that demonstrate these values. Whether it’s a time you went above and beyond for a colleague or introduced a new method that improved efficiency, make sure to connect your experiences to their core values.