When Sid first considered a career in engineering, he didn’t imagine that one day he would be using his skills to save lives.
Now a Vehicle Technician with East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), Sid has spent almost eight years keeping our emergency ambulances safely on the road.
Guided by purpose and values
The technical side of the job first attracted Sid to the profession, but it's the purpose behind the work at EMAS that keeps him motivated.
Every day, Sid maintains and repairs emergency vehicles used by frontline ambulance staff across the East Midlands. The vehicles he repairs and puts back on the road goes on to help patients who need emergency life-saving care.
Sid explains: "I genuinely love my job. Every ambulance I fix is going out and helping people. If the crew helps somebody's mum, dad, brother, sister or friend, I’ve played a part in making that happen. It could even be my friend or family member who needs that ambulance that day.”
Knowing that a vehicle he has worked on could help save a life gives him a strong sense of purpose and helps him live out the values that are important to him.
“For me, when I’ve put an ambulance back on the road, that's a good deed done. My job makes me a better Muslim – it's not just about earning a wage; every ambulance I fix is going out to help somebody and make a positive difference in their life."
Living the EMAS values
One of the things Sid values most about working at EMAS is the people.
"Everybody contributes," he says. "Whether that's helping a colleague solve a problem, making sure the workshop is tidy and safe to work in, or just doing your bit to help get the vehicles out sooner. Our team’s focus is keeping ambulances on the road and we do everything we can to make that happen."
He’s also seen how respect and teamwork go hand in hand.
"I know my colleagues are there for me if I need support. People help each other here, and that's what makes such a difference."
Finding the right path
Sid always knew he wanted to work in engineering. After leaving school, he studied a Level 2 qualification at Leicester College before beginning work experience.
“My college tutor helped me find a work experience placement with EMAS in 2018. That was the turning point for me.”
Proving himself to be a valuable member of the Fleet Services Team, Sid soon secured an apprenticeship at EMAS, and qualified as a mechanic 2021. Now a Vehicle Technician, he works with other qualified mechanics, the make ready team and logistics team to keep our ambulances on the road and ready for action.
"My time at EMAS has been amazing," he says. "I would not want to go anywhere else. I'm very happy here."
Learning every day
Working on ambulances offers a variety of challenges that many qualified mechanics may not experience in roles elsewhere. Unlike some commercial garages, where work can be repetitive, no two days in our Fleet team are quite the same.
Sid explains: "You're not just servicing vehicles or doing the same repair day in and day out. You're working on specialist medical equipment, diagnosing new faults and solving different problems every day. And you’re doing it as part of a team that cares about the vehicles, the people driving them, and the lives they’ll go on to save."
Over the years, Sid has completed a range of training, including electric and hybrid vehicle qualifications, advanced diagnostics and specialist technical courses.
"You're always learning something new, whether that’s through training or just by working closely together and sharing knowledge in the team," he says.
The people who make the difference
Sid is grateful to the people who have supported him in his career so far. He describes his first managers Gareth and Theresa, and his mentor Nick, as key influences who supported his development and believed in his potential from the very beginning
Now an experienced technician in the workshop, Sid is helping to train the next generation of apprentices.
"What my colleagues did for me when I started out is what I'm trying to do for new apprentices now. I’m giving them the same support I received when I was in their shoes " he says.
Why choose a career in ambulance service?
Sid believes many qualified mechanics may never consider the NHS as a career option. But for anyone looking for meaningful work, strong team support, ongoing training and the chance to make a genuine contribution, he says it's worth taking a closer look.
"For me, it's the people, the support, and knowing you're helping save lives that makes this a great place to work."
Whether you're an experienced vehicle technician, a newly qualified mechanic or considering an apprenticeship, a career in the EMAS Fleet Services and Vehicle Logistics Team will offer more than you expect.