The closing date for this job has now passed.

Job reference: 041925
Salary: Band 3 (£20,700- £22,594)
Job closing date: 21/01/2021
Job Type: Ambulance Services
Location: Various locations within East Region
Employment type: Permanent
Hours Per Week: 37.5
Job posted date: 15/01/2021
Employer (NHS Board): Scottish Ambulance Service
Department: Patient Transport Service

Job Advert

Applications are now invited for individuals to join the Scottish Ambulance Service as a Trainee Ambulance Care Assistant (ACA) in the East Region for training courses in 2021.  Thereafter, working at various ambulance stations throughout Borders, Forth Valley and Edinburgh only.

The Scottish Ambulance Service encourages applications from ethnic minorities and those with disabilities. 

The Role

As an ACA, you will be responsible for delivering high quality care and safe transportation for non-emergency patients from their homes to hospital and clinic appointments. You will work 5 days out of 7 which will include a variety of shift times and weekend working. You must therefore have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be a team player and have the ability to deal with a range of people who are often at their most vulnerable. This is a really important role within the Service and offers a vital service to the people of Scotland.

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 and driving programme. The programme takes approximately 6 months and is initially 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.

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. 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. However, volunteer work or working with your community would also be beneficial.

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.
  • Full UK driving licence with no more than 3 penalty points.

Due to course date restraints, candidates must possess D1 on their driving licence prior to applying.  Please note that you will be required to provide evidence of this prior to going through the selection process therefore please do not apply without possessing this driving class. 


Candidates will also be required to successfully complete the following selection elements;

  • Occupational Fitness Test
  • Competency and Values Based Interview
  • Occupational Health Screening
  • Satisfactory application to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (Disclosure Scotland)
  • Reference process


The starting salary for Trainee Care Assistants is £16,946 per annum, rising to £20,700 per annum on successful completion of the Service’s training programme. This will increase in annual increments to £22,594 per annum.


Take a look around the company https://jobs.scot.nhs.uk/