LOCAL youngsters are being offered the chance to ‘kick start’ their careers with a job placement helping to make sure the area’s ambulances are ready to answer 999 calls.

But anyone interested needs to move fast, as the deadline for applications is Monday.

Thirty Kickstart job placements are being offered as ‘vehicle preparation assistants’ by the West Midlands Ambulance Service.

The Kickstart scheme is a government initiative which provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

The placements involve young people working on ambulance hubs to help with the cleaning and restocking the fleet of front-line emergency ambulances.

The service says the role is a key function and the job placements are for 25 hours a week for six months.

Carla Beechey, Head of Human Resources, said: “This will provide young people in the local area to our hubs, who are struggling to get a job, with a fantastic opportunity to get on the career ladder.

The youngsters will support the service’s established ‘Make Ready’ teams to ensure front-line ambulances are clean, in good working order and stocked ready to respond to the next 999 call.

“This is an exciting and very rewarding opportunity.”

To apply speak to your Department of Work and Pensions advisor.