PEOPLE looking for a career change in 2018 can apply to join West Midlands Ambulance Service.

There are 270 student paramedic jobs up for grabs and successful applicants will be operational by this time next year.

The service's chief executive officer, Anthony Marsh, said: “Being a paramedic is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world and it offers the chance to have an amazing career.

“The feeling of satisfaction you get when helping someone in their hour of need is something unique.”

To apply, people must hold a minimum of five GCSEs (including English, maths and science) plus an A Level qualification or equivalent.

In addition, applicants must either hold a C1 on their driving licence or at least have applied for it.

However if people are unable to provide original certificates which show their qualifications, their application will not be looked at, let alone considered.

Recruitment manager, Louise Harris, added: “This is an exciting opportunity for people of all ages, and backgrounds.

"As an ‘earn as you learn’ scheme, it opens up possibilities to a wide range of people in the region.

“We have seen people apply from all different communities but also people from their teens to their 50s - many who are looking at a complete career change or even a second career change."

She continued: “From our perspective, this is excellent news because it means we get a really good variety of people from all walks of life, area, ethnic group and community which can only be good for the service.

“I would urge anyone looking to apply to make sure that they read all of the information on NHS Jobs thoroughly, particularly the ‘additional information’ document that you can download.”

For more information, visit www.jobs.nhs.uk and search for job reference 217-VN268-17-18.

The closing date for applications is 11.59pm on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.

People should email recruitment@wmas.nhs.uk if they require support or further information about filling in their application form.