Ambulance service celebrates paramedic graduates
Graduate paramedic apprentices were celebrated at an event in Exeter recently, after they completed a BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science Degree Level Apprenticeship, in partnership with the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) and the University of Cumbria.
12 graduates attended the event at Sandy Park, with their family and friends, ahead of the formal ceremony later this month, that will take place in Cumbria.
Speaking at the event, Dr John Martin, Chief Executive at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to celebrate your fantastic achievements.
Speaking at the event, Dr John Martin, Chief Executive at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to celebrate your fantastic achievements.
“I know that studying part time and working alongside is a tricky balancing act and at times difficult to persevere with, so I truly commend your commitment on this journey to become a Paramedic. You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves.
“What you think you know now is only a small part of what happens next and where your role as a Paramedic will take you. You will be forever learning, and I urge you to embrace this.
“This is just the start of your journey – huge congratulations. I know from personal experience that you all have a fantastic career ahead of you.”
The graduates were Emergency Care Assistants employed by SWASFT when they applied to the paramedic apprenticeship programme. After completing a six-month online bridging module they then commenced the two year paramedic apprenticeship, and successfully completed the course in February and April this year.
Reflecting on the graduate paramedic apprenticeship, Karen Smith, from Cornwall said: "As this is my second career, unplugging from life and going to University without any income wasn't an option for me, so this route has given me the chance to progress whilst having a full time job and income. It has worked really well for me."
Another graduate, James Markham, from Dorset said: "I joined SWASFT as an Emergency Care Assistant back in 2008. I had always wanted to become a Paramedic, but there were no suitable routes available to me, until this course was launched.
“It's a fully funded course, and I never thought I would be able to still have the chance to go to University, but I have, and it's been great."
Reflecting on the graduate paramedic apprenticeship, Karen Smith, from Cornwall said: "As this is my second career, unplugging from life and going to University without any income wasn't an option for me, so this route has given me the chance to progress whilst having a full time job and income. It has worked really well for me."
Another graduate, James Markham, from Dorset said: "I joined SWASFT as an Emergency Care Assistant back in 2008. I had always wanted to become a Paramedic, but there were no suitable routes available to me, until this course was launched.
“It's a fully funded course, and I never thought I would be able to still have the chance to go to University, but I have, and it's been great."
There are currently 184 paramedic apprentices on the two-year programme. The Trust offers three pathways to become a registered paramedic through the degree apprenticeship. These pathways offer a unique opportunity for people to join the ambulance service, without having to go through the traditional university route. These routes may be suitable for someone who is leaving education or the armed forces and looking to re-train for a new career in emergency healthcare.
The region’s ambulance service introduced the degree route to attract a more diverse pool of talent into the Trust.
To apply or find out more information on the apprenticeship pathway programme, please visit: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/pre-hospital-emergency-care-/
To apply or find out more information on the apprenticeship pathway programme, please visit: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/pre-hospital-emergency-care-/