AIR ambulances are the UK’s emergency service in the sky, flying more than 50,000 missions a year.
Typically, they reach critically ill patients within 17 minutes of being called out, helping to save thousands of lives.
5
5
The distinctive helicopters form a vital part of the nation’s frontline emergency response, yet they receive no day-to-day government funding.
Instead, the country is covered by 21 air ambulance charities, funded almost exclusively by donations — and with the average mission costing £4,748, they are always in need of support.
Next week is Air Ambulance Week, which aims to raise funds and awareness, and highlight the range of jobs on offer.
The most high-profile role is that of the pilot, and each mission needs two — one to fly the helicopter and one to support with navigation.
Read More on Money
BAKE OFF
Nostalgic £6.50 cake that shoppers ‘immediately need’ is spotted on Tesco shelves
SWEDE DEAL
IKEA shoppers can get unlimited meatballs for £5 across UK stores this September
Chris Jestice is a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Pilot for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Service.
He said: “Before joining, I was working for a UK company called Starspeed, flying royalty and heads of state from locations in the Middle East.
“Although the flying is very different, many of the skills and disciplines you develop as a professional pilot transfer across.
“What attracted me to HEMS was the combination of challenging flying, working closely with a highly skilled team and, most importantly, knowing that the work you’re doing can have a genuine impact on people’s lives.
Most read in Money
TAX FEARS
All the taxes most likely to go up in the Budget – how to protect YOUR money
CASH GRAB
Amazing freebies YOU can bag in September from M&S, Aldi & John Lewis worth £780
SHOCK VALUE
Normal house is hiding disgusting secret… but the bathroom isn’t much better
WATT’S THIS?
Thousands can get FREE plug-in gadgets to slash £150 a year from energy bills
“Even when we’re not flying, there is still plenty to do.
“We may carry out further training, complete admin tasks, maintain our knowledge by going over some of our manuals, or spend time with the wider team.
“One of the most rewarding parts is seeing the impact the service can have on patients and their families.
“When they come back to visit the base and you hear about their recovery, or how the team helped them at a really difficult time in their lives, it puts the job into perspective and is incredibly satisfying.”
James Pusey is Chief Pilot at the Essex & Herts service.
He said: “Working as a pilot is exhilarating, but working as a pilot for an air ambulance takes the experience to the next level.
“It’s a privilege to be part of a team getting people the help they need in their darkest hours. No two days are the same. With a shortage of pilots internationally, now is a great time to think about a career in this field and there are lots of routes in.”
To take on a specialist Helicopter Emergency Medical Services role, you will need previous flying experience — but you can train either by taking a university-based aviation course or a course with a private flight training organisation.
The standard qualification for the role is a Commercial Pilot Licence, ideally in Helicopters, as well as Instrument Rating (Helicopters).
As well as the pilots, there are other crucial jobs that keep the choppers flying, including operations support and safety and compliance monitoring.
Within each charity, there is an even wider range of roles, from fundraising to clinical positions including doctors, advanced paramedics and patient-family liaison.
- You can find out more about roles at theairambulanceservice.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us.
- For pilot places, see sloanehelicopters.com/careers/hems-pilots.
ICE LITTLE EARNER
OUR hottest summer on record has searches for “ice cream van businesses” double in the last three months.
And the number of ice cream van businesses has soared by 64 per cent since 2020, figures from small business insurance provider Simply Business found.
Katy Gathercole launched The Spider-Van in Newquay, Cornwall, shortly after becoming a mother in 2023.
She said: “I’d always dreamed of running a dessert business, so an ice cream van felt like the perfect fit.”
Bea Montoya, of Simply Business, said: “The growth we’ve seen in ice cream vans highlights the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in communities across the country and the enduring appeal of a classic British tradition.”
LEARN WITH ASDA
5
ASDA is rolling out its virtual work experience programme to schools across the nation.
The course, which helps develop employability skills such as teamwork, confidence and public speaking, has already run at almost 50 schools in Yorkshire.
The programme also encourages students to tackle real-world sustainability challenges and includes half-termly lesson plans, videos, slide decks and activities.
Emma Brough, Director of Learning at Asda, said: “This programme is designed to showcase hidden careers within retail and give students practical skills they can carry into their future careers.”
Interested schools should email [email protected].
Jobspot
PIZZA EXPRESS has room at the table for 380 new starters, at restaurants nationwide, with roles ranging from cleaners to waiters and managers.
Search at jobs.pizzaexpress.com/vacancies.
TIME TO CLIMB CAREER LADDER
5
5
WITH most of the country now back at work after summer breaks, it’s time for the big September reset.
Whether you want to gain a promotion, clock up a Christmas bonus or get into shape for a new role, this month is the ideal time to supercharge your career,
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Lee Biggins, founder of job site CV-Library, shares his expert advice on how to get noticed by your bosses . . .
- SAY YES TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES: If a task feels daunting or unfamiliar, give it a go as it’s how you’ll build skills, confidence, tenacity and resilience.
- BUILD VISIBLE AI SKILLS: With many roles exposed to AI, employers want candidates who can use its tools confidently. Spend time completing free courses via platforms such as Google or LinkedIn Learning, adding the certificate to your CV, showing how you’ve used it.
- CREATE A PORTFOLIO: To stand out from the crowd, begin gathering examples of your best work, which you can present to your boss or other potential employers. It will give interviewers a reason to want to speak to you.
- SHOW YOU’RE SERIOUS: Dress appropriately for the role you are in – and the one that you want.
- START NETWORKING: It’s never too early to start connecting with professionals on LinkedIn, attending career events or joining online forums to open doors to potential future prospects.
- VOLUNTEER: It’s a great way of gaining experience, making connections and learning skills. If you can tailor your experience, even better.
Jobspot
CONSTRUCTION firm Kier has 260 roles, including for site managers, engineers and estimators.