Trainee Ambulance Care Assistant

Applications are now invited for individuals to join the Scottish Ambulance Service as a Trainee Ambulance Care Assistant (ACA) undertaking a training course in 2025. Thereafter, working part-time at Stornoway Ambulance Station 16 hours per week, some weekend working may be involved. 

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 1 day out of 7 which may include weekend working, absence cover and annual Leave. 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 although some of this programme may be delivered online therefore access to IT equipment is essential. 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 already possess C1 on their driving licence prior to application.  

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 £20,614 per annum, rising to £25,468 per annum on successful completion of the Services training programme. This will increase in increments to £27,486 per annum.

Please note that once we have received sufficient numbers of applications the closing date will be brought forward, therefore we would recommend you submit your application early. 

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.