TWO HUNDRED apprentice paramedics have graduated from a new degree course, including more than 20 from South Central Ambulance Service.
The BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science (Apprenticeship) degree was devised by the University of Cumbria in 2021, aimed at addressing significant ongoing shortages in the workforce for paramedics.
South Central was among seven ambulance trusts in England to join the program, which allows those without a grounding in higher education or who need to earn while they complete their studies to begin a paramedic career.
The apprenticeship degree programme currently delivers over 600 trained paramedics for the NHS workforce a year.
Figures published in the recent NHS Long Term Workforce Plan show that the NHS will need to increase the number of paramedic apprentices to 50% of overall graduate student numbers in nine years.
Among those graduating at the ceremony on Wednesday, July 19, was Lucille Starkey, who received the Best Scholar award for achieving consistently high grades during her two-year degree course.
Ms Starkey, based at the SCAS Resource Centre in Reading, said: “I could have done one of the other university degrees, but I chose to wait for the apprenticeship because of the ability to mix my full-time work, receiving a wage and studying alongside, enabling me to transition from an associate ambulance practitioner to a fully-fledged paramedic.
“It was the right balance for me and allowed me to get the full degree, the Bachelor of Science (BSc) which I’m very proud to have, and helped me to consolidate my existing skills from my role while moving forward.”
Ian Teague, Assistant Director of Education at SCAS, said: “South Central Ambulance Service is delighted to congratulate our first three cohorts of degree apprenticeship paramedics on their graduation from the University of Cumbria last week.
“The graduates have shown great determination and dedication to their studies and we are very proud of all their achievements as well as the care, professionalism, and clinical excellence they will provide to our local communities.
“The degree apprenticeship has offered an exciting route to our front-line staff enabling them to progress their careers, develop as clinicians and gain a degree while in full time employment.
“Our partnership with the University of Cumbria continues to grow as we have recently seen our 9th cohort begin their studies towards their degree apprenticeship. We look forward to congratulating many more graduates in the future.”
Tom Davidson, director for the Centre for Excellence for Paramedic Practice at the University of Cumbria, is behind the university’s approach to paramedic education.
Mr Davidson said: “It is clear in the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan that paramedics are integral to the success of the plan and the future of the NHS.
“Paramedics are specifically mentioned 18 times in the document, more than any other allied health profession.
“We are proud that graduates from our paramedic apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with seven English ambulance trusts, will directly boost the NHS workforce and contribute towards the ambitious targets set out in the plan.”
