Multicultural cadet paramedic program

Working as a multicultural cadet paramedic

This role is for people from Samoan communities, but we may offer roles for people from other language and cultural backgrounds in the future.

The multicultural cadet paramedic program will give you the knowledge and skills you need to take care of people in an emergency or disaster. You’ll assess the scene, check their condition and give them care before they go to hospital.

Read the role description [PDF 400.27 KB] to learn about the work you’ll do as a cadet paramedic.

Program structure

Our program includes:

• a fully funded learning course through Central Queensland University
• full time work as a pre-hospital emergency response officer
• on the job mentoring and learning support
• paid study leave and tutoring, if you need it.

You can choose to do one or more of the following certificates or degrees.

• Certificate IV in Health Care
• Diploma of Emergency Health
• Bachelor of Paramedic Science

How to apply

You can apply online when we advertise roles, or fill in our multicultural cadet paramedic program expression of interest form.

Read our applicant information kit [PDF 476.52 KB] and application advice to learn more.

Who can do the program

The program is for people with Samoan heritage of all learning needs and capabilities. Before you apply, check you’re eligible for the role.

You’ll need to show evidence that you meet the following criteria in your application or expression of interest.

You can legally work in Australia

You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen to apply.

Confirm your Samoan heritage

To confirm your heritage, show us a certified copy of your Samoan birth certificate. You can also show the birth certificate of a parent or grandparent born in Samoa.

Someone who is recognised and accepted in the Samoan community, or in a Samoan led organisation, can also confirm your heritage.

We ask you to confirm your heritage because there’s a genuine need to employ a person from the Samoan community in this role. We’re able to do this under Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

You have a strong connection and acceptance in the community where you’ll work

To show this, you can give us a written reference from a Samoan community leader. Community leaders who are helping us during the selection process can also recommend you.

You need to be a role model in your community and reflect their culture and customs. You’ll have strong cultural connection, including kinship ties, family lineage, respect for Elders and spiritual relationships.

Belonging to your community and understanding their ways will help you give culturally safe and equitable health care.

You can drive a manual motor vehicle in Queensland

To take part in the program, you need a Queensland C Car open or provisional licence for a manual motor vehicle.

If you only drive automatic you can still apply, but you need to get your manual licence before the program begins.

We’re more likely to shortlist you if you already have a manual license or you can show us your booking for a manual driving test.

You can do shift work

We operate 24 hours a day. You must be able to work during the day, afternoon or at night on weekdays, weekends and public holidays. You might have several rostered shifts or be on call.

You’re fit and healthy, and have all your vaccinations

Check that you meet our medical standards for paramedics [PDF 166.05 KB] before you apply.

You need to show evidence that you’ve had all the vaccinations listed. You can ask your GP for this, or show an immunisation statement from the Australian Immunisation Register. If you’ve had vaccinations overseas, you can show your GP proof and ask them to update your records in the register.

Some vaccinations are given in a series of doses over several months. It’s a good idea to start getting them early so you can apply for the program.

You’re able to register with Ahpra

At the end of the program you need to register with Ahpra, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. You can review their registration standards for paramedics and read their fact sheets to learn more.

After you apply

We’ll meet you for an interview if your application is successful. We usually hold this where you’ll be working, or nearby. There’s usually 3 or 4 people who will interview you, including:

• a human resources officer
• a cultural safety officer (identified)
• a community representative (identified)
• an officer in charge of the local ambulance station.

You’ll also do a computer test and a group activity. We may ask you to fill in or verify certain documents.

As part of the recruitment process we may also do checks for your:

• references and qualifications
• criminal history
• traffic history
• working with children clearance (blue card), if you need it.

Learn more about our working for us.

Starting work in the program

When you first start the program, you’ll do 6 weeks of basic training.

This usually includes:

• 3 weeks at Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy, Whyte Island, Brisbane
• 1 week driver training, Gympie
• 2 weeks regional induction.

We’ll arrange and pay for your travel and accommodation if you don’t live nearby.

You’ll start working as a cadet at your chosen station when you finish the induction training.

Contacts

For more information contact email our recruitment team at QAS.Recruitment@ambulance.qld.gov.au.