Seems A Bit Off

[sherrardk]

Boy #1 found out today (during his induction at uni) that if he is successful with his paramedic science degree he’s still got to fork out nearly 1k to pass the ‘ambulance driving licence getting bit’, seems a bit off considering the money he’s forking out for tuition, etc. (Oh, and he had to have a hep B injection (first of 3) and have his blood taken to be tested for TB, HIV and hep A).

[bednobs]

seems reasonable to me. im surprised he didnt know before

[tonyav]

he’s still got to fork out nearly 1k to pass the ‘ambulance driving licence getting bit’,

Yeah that does seem a bit off, I would have thought that if he got a job on the ambulances ( when he gets his paramedic science degree ) then who ever runs the ambulance dept would want him to be able to drive an ambulance and put him through one of their driving courses.

[sherrardk]

He knew about the jabs and the blood taking, not the forking out to get a licence bit.

[sherrardk]

If it was that important (would have thought actually being able to get an ambulance to people was important) then it would be part of the degree course.

[douglas9401]

Be worth it in the long run though. One company doing a four week course wants nearly £4K (inc VAT) :-)

[ummmm]

Because ambulances are manned by two I suppose only one needs a license. He may be a brilliant paramedic but what if he's (or anyone else) is a rubbish driver?

I just found out that my son only has 7 hours of lessons per week!

[Baldric]

If you want a reasonably paid and responsible career I don't think it's unreasonable to invest a little to achieve it.

//
Salaries are covered by the NHS Agenda for Change pay scales. Paramedic salaries start at Band 5, which ranges from £23,023 to £29,608.
For team leaders or senior paramedics who have undertaken extended skills training in critical care or trauma, salaries are at Band 6 and fall between £28,050 and £36,644.
If you continue to work up to the level of consultant paramedic, you could achieve a Band 8c salary of £59,090 to £71,243 //

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/paramedic

[sherrardk]

Ummm - 7 hours doesn’t sound like a lot for the tuition fees. Big chunks of the boy’s course are placements.

Baldric - he is investing, he’ll have to pay his student loans back.

1K seems like a lot for an extra bit on his driving licence (but not as much as the 4K Douglas has found).

[retrocop]

My son,having been told the LFB were not recruiting white people many times on application, was told he could not apply ,eventually ,unless he passed his driving test.

[sherrardk]

Retro, he’s passed his driving test this is a bit to drive a different sort of vehicle.

[Mamyalynne]

It's the C1 course isn't it?

[retrocop]

Not all fire officers drive a pump appliance/escape etc. Why the handicaps for the job application?

[sherrardk]

I think so Mamya, we’re communicating by messaging so the info is short and sweet.

[sherrardk]

Seems off Retro, it’s like obstacles are put in the way for some reason.

[douglas9401]

It may also include his Driver CPC which will be a one week, 35 hour course running at about £500 and a refresher every year (7 hours) thereafter as long as he's driving professionally.

[Mamyalynne]

I think it's the lack of clarity when things raise their heads you weren't warned about.

Some details here.

https://www.collegeofparamedics.co.uk/how_to_become_a_paramedic/driver-training

[sherrardk]

I expect he’s researched it but hadn’t counted on the cost factor (he’s horrendously switched on for a 19 year old).

[retrocop]

No complaints in my day. Met Police trained me up to HGV Class 2 and PCV class1 for free. That is how it should be for any person who wishes to be a emergency worker. No incentive, currently, for those who wish to provide a public service and save lives.

[david small]

Tis a different world retro, not one I’d like to begin again in.

[Mamyalynne]

Good for him Sherr, e'll get there I'm sure.

My eldest Grandson (16) has always known that money would be the biggest hurdle for fulfilling his ambition to be a commercial pilot.

As a family we have been saving for a decade easily ,as has he with the full hope he'll make it.