Ko wai mātou - About us:

Hato Hone St John has been serving New Zealanders since 1885. Today, we have nearly 12,000 kaimahi working across Aotearoa to enhance the health and wellbeing of our communities. From responding to 111 calls to supporting people to stay healthy through health education, access and monitoring, we make a life-changing difference every day. 

Ko wai mātou - About us:

Earn while you learn and fast-track your way into a frontline ambulance role.

Are you ready to take on a challenge that’s as rewarding as it is demanding? The Residential Emergency Medical Technician Programme is your opportunity to train as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and start a meaningful career in emergency healthcare - no previous healthcare experience is needed. This six-month, full-time, paid programme prepares you to become a frontline Emergency Medical Technician. Upon successful completion, you’ll transition directly into a full-time EMT role in Taumarunui. During the programme, you’ll spend 10 weeks training and living on-site with your cohort in Hamilton, Monday to Friday, while also gaining extensive frontline experience through ambulance placements in Taumarunui.

At Hato Hone St John, we’re all about purpose, people, and manaaki. We’re looking for individuals with a strong drive to help others, who thrive under pressure, and who are ready to commit to a fast-paced learning environment and a long-term clinical pathway.

He aha te tūranga - About the role: 

Starting early May 2027, over the course of six months, you'll spend ten weeks on-site in Hamilton (accommodation provided), returning home each weekend, this is spread across the six-month programme. You’ll also undertake a period of frontline placement throughout the programme in Taumarunui.

The program involves daytime learning and evening study. It’s intensive and structured, so leave isn’t available during this time. This unique opportunity will build strong foundations and professional networks to set you up for long-term success. Once you graduate, your EMT role will involve shift work, including shifts on any day of the week and at any time of day or night.

More information about the programme can be found here.

What the programme offers:

• Full-time, paid training over approximately six months.
• Fast-tracked, high-intensity learning - earn while you learn.
• Hands-on placements alongside experienced Paramedics.
• Industry-recognised NZ Diploma in Ambulance Practice (level 5).
• A full-time EMT position in Taumarunui once you graduate.

This is not a course for the faint-hearted. It’s an immersive, challenging programme designed to prepare you for real emergency situations, where you’ll be expected to step up, stay calm, and make a difference when it matters most.

Ko wai koe - About you:

You’ll need to bring:

• A genuine commitment to a long-term clinical career.
• The ability to learn quickly in a compressed, high-pressure training environment.
• A full NZ driver's licence (held for 12+ months or with an approved advanced driving course).
• A clean police check.
• Great physical fitness and emotional resilience.
• Strong communication skills and teamwork.

Previous experience in health or social care is an advantage, but not essential - we’ll provide the training. What we’re looking for is passion, dedication, and the mindset to succeed.

Please note individuals who have completed or are currently enrolled in the NZ Diploma in Ambulance Practice pathway or enrolled in Semester two and beyond of a Paramedicine degree are not eligible for this position.

Why join us?

You’ll be joining a respected, community-driven organisation with a proud history and a continuing commitment to the communities we serve. We’ll back you from day one, investing in your learning, wellbeing, and long-term development. You’ll live and train alongside others who share your values, forming connections that last a lifetime.

Your future starts here.
If you’re up for the challenge, comfortable in an intensive learning environment, and genuinely committed to a career that really matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Please carefully consider the timing of this opportunity before applying. Recruitment begins now, but successful candidates will not start until May 2027.

The recruitment and selection process is extensive and will require a significant investment of time and commitment from applicants throughout the coming months.

We encourage you to apply if you’re committed to the journey ahead, and can see yourself building a rewarding long-term career in this field.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

Click “I’m interested” before applications close on Sunday 29 November 2026.

For more information, please contact [email protected]. 

At Hato Hone St John, we embrace diversity, welcoming everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. We value unique perspectives, fostering inclusivity to better serve our communities, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs.

E pōhiritia nei e mātou, te whānau o Hato Hone St John, ngā rereketanga o ia tāngata ki te haramai. E āwhinatia e mātou i ngā whakaaro rereke, kia mahi pai i roto i ngā hāpori katoa. Ko ta mātou nei haepapa, kia hangaia tātahi āhuru mōwai mā tātou, kia mahi haumaru ai.

If you need accommodations for accessibility, please reach out to the recruiter listed for equitable participation in our recruitment process.

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups are less likely to apply for roles when their experience doesn’t match the job description perfectly. If you’re excited and think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you! Even if your experience doesn’t align 100%. Please apply or contact the recruitment advisor listed on the advertisement for a kōrero.