Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements to become an ambulance care assistant and patient transport driver. Most employers expect good standards of literacy and numeracy and some may ask for qualifications such as GCSEs, NVQs or equivalent. Employers look for relevant work experience so it would be an advantage if you have worked with elderly or disabled people, either in paid employment or voluntary work.

Driving licence 

Most employers expect you have a full, manual driving licence when you apply.  If you passed your test after 1996, you may need an extra driving qualification for larger vehicles and carrying passengers, so check carefully which classifications you need on your licence.

Must have skills 

You'll need to be patient, caring and calm. You'll need to be interested in other people, be able to reassure people who may be nervous and deal with challenging behaviour. You'll also need to be physically fit and have excellent communication skills. 

Training and development 

You'll usually have an initial two to three week training course that covers

• moving and handling techniques
• first aid
• basic patient skills
• safe driving techniques

Training includes practical assessments and written exams. Once you have passed these tests, you'll work under the guidance of a trained supervisor before working unsupervised.

As your career progresses, you could become a team leader or supervisor and take charge of a team of assistants and drivers. You could take further training to become an emergency care assistant. With more experience, you could apply to train as a paramedic. You would have to pass entrance exams and meet other requirements before being accepted onto a paramedic course.

Pay and benefits

Your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours and may include a shifts, such as early starts, evenings and weekends. You’ll be paid on the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system, typically starting on band 2 or 3.

You’ll also have access to our generous pension scheme and health service discounts, as well as 27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, which increases the longer you’re in service.