Health & Lifestyle | Posted on February 10th, 2025 | return to news
South West ambulance service marks National Apprenticeship Week
National Apprenticeship Week runs from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 February and shines a light on the work being done by apprentices across the UK.
The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), which serves the Dorset area, is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week this week by highlighting the valuable contribution apprentices play in helping to deliver dedicated patient care across the region.
National Apprenticeship Week runs from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 February and shines a light on the work being done by apprentices across the country.
SWASFT currently has over 250 apprentices from paramedic apprentices to cyber security and finance apprentices who help support the service’s operations.
The paramedic apprenticeship is aimed at individuals who want to become fully qualified paramedics, without going via the traditional university route. Paramedic apprentices are trained to respond to emergency calls, provide advanced medical care, and make critical decisions under pressure. They undergo intensive practical and theoretical training, including clinical placements and classroom study in subjects like pharmacology, patient assessment, and advanced life support techniques.
Rich Francis, apprenticeship lead at SWASFT, said: “Apprenticeships are absolutely vital for the future of the ambulance service. They provide a fantastic opportunity for individuals to gain valuable skills and experience while contributing directly to patient care. By investing in our apprentices, we are not only developing a highly skilled workforce but also ensuring that we have the capacity to meet the evolving needs of our communities now and in the future.
“Our organisation has been utilising the Paramedic degree apprenticeship since January 2021, with over 305 paramedic apprentices enrolled to date. With strategic workforce plans in place, we aim to have 565 paramedic apprentices integrated into our workforce by 2029/2030, enrolling 120 paramedic apprentices annually.”
Apprentice paramedic Mark Walker says that over the course of his apprenticeship, he has come to understand the role and has developed a newfound respect for those “who make it look so ‘easy’”.
He added: “The skills I have been taught along the with self-learning mean that I have now confidently led many serious incidents and come away feeling fulfilled and proud of my role.”
To learn more about apprenticeship opportunities at SWASFT, visit their website.
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