Choosing a C1 Ambulance Training Provider
Finding the right C1 ambulance training provider is key to getting the best from your training. It is important that you not only find a good quality training company but one with whom you can work well. Training Mentor’s directory of C1 driver training companies helps you find local businesses who can help you learn, but before you begin your search, make sure you read this page so you know what to look for when making that all important decision.
Finding a C1 Ambulance Training Company
A very important thing to know when searching for C1 ambulance training is that some companies don’t actually train you. These are known as brokers. A broker takes your booking (and money) and then passes the job of training you to an actual training provider. Sadly, this means that you may pay more than if you were to book directly with the training school. Furthermore, you will have no choice over which training school you are sent to once you have booked . Normally, this will be the cheapest one available and may not even be close to you.
The topic of brokers is a controversial one in the driver training industry and we have put together a guide specifically on this subject. To read the guide, click here. A broker even featured on BBC’s ‘You’ve Been Scammed’. Brokers are usually associated with HGV training but in recent years have started to sell C1 ambulance training courses too. Usually, when using a search engine to find an HGV training provider, many of the top results displayed (paid adverts) are brokers.
If you would prefer to have control over your choice of training provider, search our list of trusted, local companies. Remember that a lot of training providers offer finance should you need it.
Make sure you get the best deal
To avoid getting caught out make sure you search using Training Mentor’s HGV training directory. There is no risk of getting caught out by a middleman as we don’t list any brokers. We strongly advise visiting a training company before paying for your course. You will be able to see their facilities and have a look at the vehicles they use. You may also be able to meet an Instructor and ask any questions you have face to face. If a company refuses to let you visit their premises before you hand over your hard-earned money, walk away.
Funding & ‘Salary Sacrifice’ for NHS staff
When it’s time to take your C1 ambulance training course, you may be given a list of recommended training providers by your employer. However, if you are taking advantage of the Salary Sacrifice scheme to pay for your training, you will have to use the training provider your employer chooses. The downside to this is you won’t get to choose where you go. Somewhat surprisingly, Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) and East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) have chosen to use a training broker for their employees C1 training courses. This means they have no control over where their students will actually train. It is down to the broker to decide where the training takes place. If you would prefer to have control over your choice of training provider, search our list of trusted, local companies. Remember that a lot of training providers offer finance should you need it.
NHS Approved C1 Courses
It has been brought to our attention that some training providers are advertising ‘NHS approved’ C1 training courses. However, according to the NHS, there is no such thing. A representative for the NHS said: “We don’t recommend any C1 companies to undertake that category of licence.”
“We have not and do not give any authorisation to a private company to endorse themselves as a recommended provider and trainer.”
Your checklist
- Good reputation – look for customer reviews and recommendations
- Not pushy – a good training company will not rush you to make a decision
- Visit the premises in person – meet the staff and have a look at their vehicles
- Book direct – click here for our guide on training brokers
Sections in this guide
- Getting your C1 Ambulance Driving Licence
- Applying for a Provisional C1 Licence
- Preparing for C1 Ambulance Driver Training
- Choosing a training provider
- C1 Ambulance theory test
- The C1 Ambulance driving test