We do not have an active recruitment campaign for this program.
If you are interested in future campaigns please enter your details in the below expression of interest form.. It is highly recommended that you read the below information regarding the program prior to submitting your expression of interest.
| Expression of Interest To be notified for future vacancies in other areas, please complete our Indigenous cadet paramedic program expression of interest form |
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If you would like to find out more about the program please follow the booking link for program information session for application and interview preparation tips.
Working as a cadet in the program
Cadets in the program come from various work and volunteer backgrounds. Each person bringing their own unique experience and connection within their community.
As a cadet in the Indigenous paramedic program, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to take care of people in the pre-hospital environment. This may be in their homes, at the scene of an emergency or in a disaster. You and your clinical supervisor will assess the scene, check the patient's condition and give them care before they go to hospital or a medical facility.
Read the role description [PDF 492.42 KB] to learn about the work you’ll do as a cadet in the Indigenous Paramedic Program.
Program structure
Our program includes:
- a fully funded tertiary education through Central Queensland University
- full time work as an ambulance officer in the pre-hospital environment
- on the job clinical supervision and learning support
- paid study time and access to tutoring, if you need it.
When you join the program, you will work through the following educational milestones:
- Certificate IV in Health Care
- Tertiary enabling course - CQU STEPs
- Bachelor of Paramedic Science
Please read the Indigenous Paramedic and CALD Course brochure [PDF 433.25 KB] for information about the training you will receive as Indigenous cadet.
How to apply
There is no active recruitment campaign currently.
To be notified for future intakes fill in our Indigenous cadet paramedic program expression of interest form.
Read our applicant information kit [PDF 354.57 KB] and application advice to learn more.
Who can do the program
The program is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants who can demonstrate they have the mandatory requirements for the role.
Before you apply, please check the role description [PDF 492.42 KB] to see if you’re eligible.
You’ll need to show evidence that you meet the following criteria in your application
You can confirm your Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage
To confirm your heritage, you will need to show us a certified copy of your Certificate of Aboriginality.
If you don’t have this, you can download and fill in the following form from the Queensland Government website. Part A of the form asks you to make a statutory declaration. You will need a registered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation to fill in Part B.
Declaration and Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Status form [PDF]
It can take time to get these documents, so it’s a good idea to apply for them early if you want to join the program.
We ask to see these documents because there’s a genuine need to employ an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person in this role. We’re able to do this under Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).
You have strong engagement, relationships and actively participate in the community where you’ll work
To show this, we will need a written reference from a suitable local community member who can support your application.
Being part of your community and understanding their ways will help you deliver culturally safe and equitable health care.
You have a senior secondary school certificate, or higher qualification
You need to have one of the following to apply.
- Year 12 Certificate
- Certificate III qualification in any area
- An equivalent or higher qualification
If you don’t have a copy, you can contact the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority for a replacement. We’ll also accept your USI VET transcript.
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 have an automatic licence, you can still apply, but you need to get your manual licence before you can be considered for the next stage of the recruitment phase. .
If you do not have a manual licence, you can provide booking evidence for your manual driving test upon application.
Please note that is some areas there may be a period of 1 to 2 months for an available testing date, so we encourage you to get your manual licence as soon as you can if you are considering applying for this program.
You can do shift work
We operate 24 hours a day. You must be able to work during the day, afternoon or night on weekdays, weekends and public holidays.
Rostered shifts can be 10 to 12 hours long depending on the station roster and sometimes you may be on call.
You’re fit and healthy, and have all your vaccinations
Check that you meet our medical standards for paramedics [PDF 267.05 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.
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
When you finish your degree you need to register with Ahpra, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency to work as a qualified paramedic. 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 resource officer
- a cultural safety unit representative (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 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 the program
When you first start the program, you’ll do 6 weeks of basic training.
This usually includes:
- 4 weeks at Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy, Whyte Island, Brisbane
- 1 week driver training, Brisbane
- 2 weeks regional induction.
We’ll arrange and pay for your travel and accommodation if you don’t live nearby.
After the induction period you will begin working in the local district over a probation period.
Contacts
For more information contact our Indigenous Recruitment Team at QASIndigenousRecruitment@ambulance.qld.gov.au.
Application advice
- Read the role description and understand what you are applying for.
- Think about the role and how you can show that you have the qualities and skills to do it well.
- Prepare your resume early and ask someone to proofread it. Spelling and formatting are important.
- Send your application documents in a PDF format, if possible. Documents shared via Apple and Google drives may cause them to go into spam folders, and we may miss your application.
- Read all documents and instructions carefully – we may not be able to shortlist you if information is missing from your application.
- Send in your application early, do not delay.
- Make sure we have the correct contact details for you, and your referees.
- Get any vaccinations or licenses that you need.
- Regularly check your email. If you receive a follow up email for further information, please respond to it as soon as possible. Incomplete submissions may remove you from selection.