Apprenticeships

Overview

An apprenticeship with SWAST is a fantastic way to kick start or progress your career within the ambulance service. The trust is dedicated to providing high quality apprenticeship training opportunities for our current and new employees.

Our Opportunities

If you’re considering a career as a paramedic and don’t yet have the relevant qualifications, our Paramedic apprenticeship pathway may be of interest to you.

Alongside our front line roles we also offer apprenticeship opportunities within our corporate and support services.

Want to know more?

To find out more about how you can join SWAST and build a rewarding and successful career contact the Apprenticeship Team via apprenticeships@swast.nhs.uk

You can also read through our frequently asked questions or fill out our expression of interest form below —

Apprenticeship Expression of Interest Form

Hear from past and present SWAST apprentices —
Hear from past and present SWAST apprentices —
Hear from past and present SWAST apprentices —

Business Administrator - Case Study

"Coming to SWAST from a hospitality background has been quite a change for me to adapt to as the hours and type of work is very different.

The opportunity provided by the apprenticeship has done wonders for both my personal and professional progression and I am forever grateful for the wonderful atmosphere and team I am fortunate enough to work within.

Everyone I have met has been incredibly welcoming and kind to the point that I could not be happier and would therefore, highly recommend our apprenticeship programmes to anyone I know."

Oliver Ingram – HR Services Apprentice Administrator

"Having Oli join our team as an apprentice is proving to be a really positive and exciting time for us all. His enthusiasm and keenness to learn is great to see and we are supporting him to gain the evidence he requires for his portfolio.

He is being given opportunities to attend recruitment fairs, assessment centres and shadow other departments, so that he gains a broad insight into South Western Ambulance Service and how his work impacts on the Service we provide."

Debbie Moran – HR Services Officer

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is an opportunity to work and study at the same time. Most of the time is spent doing on the job training, and the rest is spent working towards a qualification. You will get a paid salary and be part of a team, just like a standard employee, but you will also get some dedicated time to attend formal training. Apprenticeships are for any one aged 16 and over, there is no upper age limit.

Apprenticeships are not just for new recruits; they can be a fantastic way for substantive staff to access national accredited qualifications that will support with their career development.

The qualification you can achieve could vary from the equivalent to GCSEs, to a master’s degree depending on the level of apprenticeship you take. There are several types or levels of apprenticeships, and each level apprenticeship will have different entry requirements.

Is an apprenticeship right for me?

This is question that can only be truly answered by yourself. We would recommend having a conversation with a line manager or mentor to look at the suitability of an apprenticeship to your job role, responsibilities, and your commitments outside of work.

There is an expectation that some of the work must be done in your own time, so have a think about how you can accommodate this in your schedule. You will also need agreement from your line manager to release you from your everyday role for set days or periods of time to attend training sessions.

Am I eligible for an apprenticeship?

Every apprenticeship is different and therefore some will have set entry criteria specific to that profession. Basic entry requirements are:

You must be over 16 years of age
Living in England and have the right work
Not be enrolled in any other type of full-time education
Must have lived in the UK for 3 years or more

Who is the Apprenticeship Team?

The SWAST Apprenticeship Team was established in the summer of 2023 and now includes an Apprenticeship Education Manager, Apprenticeship Lead, 2 x Placement Co-ordinators and 2 x Senior Administrators.

What apprenticeships are on offer within SWAST?

There are many apprenticeship choices available that will fit many different career opportunities. Please feel free to check out our Support Services Prospectus here.

Did you know in Health and Social Care there are over 360 different job roles? Find out more here.

Do I need maths and English qualifications?

For apprenticeships at level 3 and above it is preferred that you have your maths and English GCSE’s or equivalent such as Level 2 Functional Skills to successfully pass the apprenticeship. If you do not have these GCSE qualifications already then you can complete a short course and take an exam to gain Level 2 Functional Skills certificates.

The apprenticeship team have a developed a guide that provides more information on how to access functional skills. Contact the team to access this guide.

Will my salary change?

Generally, no - unless you are completely moving roles where the salary is different anyway. But if you are enrolling onto an apprenticeship that aligns with your current job role then there is no need for your salary or contract of employment to change.

How much will the apprenticeship cost?

The apprenticeship will be paid for by SWAST through the apprenticeship levy and this will cover the cost of the desired apprenticeship standard.

How long does an apprenticeship take?

An apprenticeship must be at least 12 months long.

You can see the usual duration of the apprenticeship in each standard document. Some apprenticeships last for longer and, typically, degree apprenticeships will last 36 – 60 months.

Apprenticeships

Search the SWAST Website website