Job Advert
Please do not apply if you already have a current application in process OR have had an unsuccessful application in the last 6 months.
Would you like to become a Trainee Ambulance Technician in the beautiful North Region of Scotland? If so, we may have a post for you…
We are recruiting for Trainee Ambulance Technicians for several courses scheduled throughout 2023.
The Role
Ambulance Technicians provide immediate care right across Scotland, often to people in their most vulnerable state and in very difficult and challenging environments. As a result, you will be required to show compassion and empathy and be able to deal with the difficult situations that we have to respond to. Most importantly, you need to be able to keep calm under pressure, make good decisions and take control.
The starting salary for Technician Students is £24,755 per annum, rising to £28,384 per annum on successful completion of the Service’s training programme. This will increase in annual increments to £35,365 per annum.
Technician vacancies are offered on a 24-hour shift basis and are referred to as “relief”. Relief is the working pattern that new Technicians work and means that you will be given your shift pattern several weeks in advance, but it won’t always be a same shift pattern. It also means there are times when you will need to be flexible and work a changing shift pattern.
The Training
The successful applicant for this post will be an employee of the Service from their start date and will be enrolled on our bespoke clinical programme which will lead to a vocational diploma in Emergency Care Support. The whole programme takes approximately 16 months with the first 14 weeks carried out at one of our regional training centres. After this time, you will progress to your allocated Ambulance Station where you will be mentored by other qualified staff as well as receiving ongoing support and learning from the education team.
About the North Region
The North Region covers Grampian, the Highlands, and the Western and Northern Isles. This beautiful area of Scotland has a variety of stations from those in the busy urban cities of Aberdeen and Inverness to rural locations in the Cairngorms, Caithness & Sutherland, and the isles to name a few. Some of the remote stations include on-call and/or home-working with a requirement to live within 5 miles of on-call station locations.
With a rich history including dinosaur footprints on the Isle of Skye, Culloden Battlefield near Inverness, the Count Dracula inspiring Slains Castle near Cruden Bay, and Balmoral Castle in Royal Deeside to name a few, there is plenty to see and explore. Or if you’re into sport there are a range of surfing spots throughout the Region with Thurso being known as the national surf capital. Alternatively you may wish to ski or snowboard at one of the five ski resorts, or climb one of the many Munros including Ben Nevis near Fort William.
If shopping is your thing there are a number of Shopping Centres including Union Square and the Bon Accord Centre in Aberdeen and the Eastgate in Inverness. In addition the many towns and villages have a range of independent shops, restaurants and cafes.
While we currently have a number of vacancies these are not at all stations. We will discuss your station preferences at interview and if you are able to relocate if we do not have vacancies at your preferred stations. If we cannot make an offer immediately you will be added to a pool where you will be kept in consideration for future vacancies.
The Person
This is a hugely varied role, each day and each patient is different. As a result, you will need to have excellent interpersonal skills as well as an ability to communicate effectively with a range of different and often difficult circumstances. You will need to demonstrate flexibility and the ability to make effective and safe decisions.
We welcome applications form a range of backgrounds, however, previous experience in a healthcare role or a healthcare related qualification would be an advantage. Volunteer work or working with your community would also be beneficial.
The Scottish Ambulance Service encourages applications from ethnic minorities and those with disabilities. If you would like to know more, please see the “guide to Job Interview Guarantee Scheme” attached.
Please note, candidates are not required to hold a C1 category driving licence to apply, however this is required no later than 6 weeks before any programme start date. This can be a lengthy process and we always advise candidates to seek their provisional licence as soon as possible. Please refer to the DVLA website for more information on C1 category driving licences. Please note we will initially prioritise candidates who already have a C1 licence.
All candidates will be required to satisfy the following minimum entry requirements:
Evidence of successful study at SCQF Level 4 or above in Maths and English – Please refer to Trainee Technician Qualification Guidance. Original certificates must be produced at the fitness test stage
Full UK driving licence with no more than 4 penalty points.
Candidates will be required to obtain a C1 Driving category on their current driving licence at least 6 weeks before any start date offered.
Candidates will be required to successfully complete the following selection process;
Application Review and Shortlisting
Occupational Fitness Test
Competency and Values Based Interview
Occupational Health Screening
Satisfactory application to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (Disclosure Scotland)
Reference process
The progression route to Paramedic has changed. If you wish to pursue a career as a Paramedic, please visit the following link: http://www.scottishambulance.com/WorkingForUs/paramedic.aspx
Please note that once we have received a sufficient number of applications the closing date will be brought forward, therefore we would recommend you submit your application early.
To apply for this post, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button and follow the on-screen instructions. Applicants who submit an application will be contacted via email regarding the outcome of their application. It is very important that you check your ‘junk’ or spam email folders as well as your email inbox. Due to pressures within the Service, there may be delays in us being able to progress with your application, we will be in touch with you as soon as we can.