West Midlands Ambulance Service recruiting up to 300 extra paramedics

Bosses have announced student positions are available across the Black Country and Staffordshire as well as other parts of the region.

The service, which has one of the highest ratios of paramedics on the front line in the UK, helps students to learn on the job while they gain their qualifications. Between 200 and 300 positions are expected to be created in the latest recruitment drive.

Successful applicants will need to complete a 30-month training course to become a registered paramedic.

West Midlands Ambulance Service's chief executive Anthony Marsh said: "The new roles are being created to increase the paramedic workforce of the trust still further. We already have one of the highest skill mixes in the country.

"It will also help the trust to meet the increased demand that we have been experiencing."

Mr Marsh spoke out about why he believes people should be applying for one of the new posts.

"As a paramedic you will have one of the most amazing careers; saving lives and helping people in their hour of need.

"As someone who has worked in the ambulance service for over 25 years, I know just how rewarding the job can be," he said.

During a similar recruitment drive in January last year, more than 1,000 people applied for one of 300 positions.

While more than 20,000 people considered applying, looking at the job specification on the NHS Jobs website, which the service described at the time as being a 'staggering figure'.

During the 2014/15 financial year, the trust recruited 295 student paramedics. Since 2010, the service has recruited more than 1,000 student paramedics.

To apply, requirements include a minimum of 5 GCSEs, including English, maths and science plus an A-level qualification or the equivalent of it.

In addition, successful applicants must 'demonstrate a passion to deliver excellent patient care' and hold a full UK driving licence with no more than 3 points.

Those that apply must also have a Category C1 licence, a provisional C1 or have applied to gain one with DVLA.

Candidates must complete the application form via NHS Jobs. The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Monday, April 4.

Paper applications can be requested by calling the recruitment team on 01384 215 896.