Call operators jump the queue

North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has teamed up with Gateshead College to offer an exciting opportunity for aspiring call operators to train at a new Call Operator Academy, which will guarantee an interview at the Trust.  

The partners are now inviting applicants to apply for a four week course to improve their chances of success in securing a role in the Emergency Operations Centre at NEAS.   

Every year, the service answers over 1 million emergency 999 and NHS111 calls treating and discharging 24,000 patients with telephone advice. Call operators are the first point of contact with patients in need of front line medical care or transportation.

The course is free, thanks to funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) and on completion of the course, applicants will be guaranteed an interview at NEAS.

Open days will be held on 9 October, and 13 November at Gateshead College, where potential applicants can hear more about the role and meet the team.

Kevin Marston, assistant principal of curriculum innovation at Gateshead College says, “The new academy will provide aspiring call operators with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need for a career with NEAS, together with two NVQ Level 2 qualifications in Contact Centre Operations and Equality and Diversity. This will put them at the front of the queue and improve their chances of securing a role in the Trust.

“Applicants will secure a guaranteed interview at the end of the course and the training itself will support them with the skills to perform well.”

The interview process is a two-stage process including a face to face interview, situational and behavioural assessments. Previous applicants are invited to apply.

Call operators will benefit from a competitive salary of £21,000 to £24,569 salary, including shift allowance and 27 days’ holiday per year. Employees will be entered into the highly commended NHS pension scheme and be offered a lease car scheme, high street discount schemes along with progression opportunities.

Gerardine Hope, operations centre manager at NEAS says, “In these roles, our employees can make a real difference to people’s lives. To do the job well, call operators need to be able to make decisions, respond quickly to requests and multi-task. The work is fast-paced, exciting, challenging and hugely rewarding and this opportunity will help new and previous applicants to develop the skills needed to be successful here.”

Applicants must have three GCSE grades A to C or equivalent, including maths and English, or relevant experience and must be over 18 years old.

For more information or to sign up to attend the information day, visit: www.gateshead.ac.uk/NEAS

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