Ambulance support worker (emergency, urgent and non-urgent)
Level 3 · AdvancedHealth and science 1.1 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An ambulance support worker provides clinical and non-clinical support to patients being transported to, from, or between healthcare settings in emergency, urgent, and non-urgent situations. Apprentices develop skills in patient assessment, basic clinical interventions, moving and handling, and professional communication with patients, families, and healthcare colleagues. This role can lead to associate ambulance practitioner or paramedic apprenticeship pathways.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Basic clinical observations including pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels
Patient assessment and recognising changes in a patient's condition
Safe moving and handling techniques for patients in varied environments
Emergency driving awareness and safety in an ambulance context
Infection prevention and control in a pre-hospital setting
Professional communication with patients, carers, and clinical teams
Documentation and information governance in a healthcare setting
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Assist in lifting, moving, and transporting patients safely
Record and monitor clinical observations during patient transfers
Communicate clearly and compassionately with patients and families
Support paramedics and clinicians during emergency responses
Prepare the ambulance vehicle and equipment before and after each job
Complete accurate patient report forms and handover documentation
Follow infection control procedures including cleaning of vehicles and kit
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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