Job overview
There has never been a better time to join the Trust’s Fleet and Equipment team as a Vehicle Preparation Operative (VPO). Our Ambulance Vehicle Preparation (AVP) team play a vital role in ensuring our front line crews are ready and able to respond to emergency situations by preparing our vehicle fleet and equipment to high standards.
The role of the VPO is also a gateway to the organisation with opportunities to develop your career with us either within the Fleet and Equipment team or the wider Trust in both patient-facing and a variety of support roles.
Main duties of the job
Vehicle Preparation Operatives process ambulances in a prescribed and controlled way that ensures each ambulance is ready to treat patients. The role is a key operational support function which ensures patient safety whilst supporting Operations in meeting its targets.
Main duties include detailed cleaning and infection prevention & control activities, checking and inspecting medical devices, restocking consumables, refuelling and driving vehicles across various locations. Further information about AVP is provided in this short video, https://vimeo.com/737833133/67b03c85c9
We are seeking to further grow and develop our service and are looking for committed people to work at Ferndown Station. We have a variety of shifts across a 24 hour, 7-day period including days, lates, nights, weekends and bank holidays. Unsocial hours payments will be applicable in addition to the basic salary for night, weekend and bank holidays working.
The role requires post holders to hold a current full driving licence. C1 category is preferred.
Further information is available in a short video at www.workingwondersjoinus.co.uk/fleet-services
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For further information about this role please see the job description and person specification attached.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of driving various types of vehicles
- Working in a trustworthy position
Desirable
- Experience in similar roles which may include stock checking and/or infection control/cleaning
- Experience in a customer care environment
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- General all round education including numeracy and literacy
- Full driving licence with maximum 6 penalty points
- Must have category C1 on driving licence, or obtain
Desirable
- Minimum of 3 GCSE’s (or equivalent)
- European Computer Driving License (ECDL)
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Vehicle Preparation Operative (Ferndown) with South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust in Exeter, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 2 Estates and facilities role. The advertised salary is £25,272 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 23 Jun 2026.
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