Apprentice Paramedic Review

I work as a Technician for the Ambulance Service and I am now completing 70% on the job training and 30% off the job training at university for the next 2 years to qualify as a HCPC registered paramedic. My job involves providing emergency medical care within the community to patients who phone 999/111.

Whilst at university and on the road, my scope of practice has been extended to allow practice of certain advance skills. I'm building on previous skills/knowledge and incorporating information/skills learnt from uni to put into future practice. I also undertake placements away from my normal place of work to experience/learn from colleagues in different acute/non acute medical settings.

I'm enjoying the programme so far. There's a lot to learn but we have supportive tutors and well as support from the university. I struggle with writing academically and never studied at degree level, however the university have dedicated library tutors on hand to help directly or signpost to guidance.

Our course is new to my employer and the university so understandably there have been some teething problems but both parties are responsive and take into account our feedback. We have timetabled sessions well in advance and our assessments are all explained/outlined. We have a mix of MS Teams sessions as well as face to face during the pandemic and have all been organised well/safely.

My employer is providing financial support to facilitate this extra learning. They cover my shifts without any hassle when I'm abstracted for university. I still have my full annual leave allowance and I'm not financially disadvantaged whilst training. I've also been assigned a designated mentor whilst at work.

Should we need support - we have been given various contacts of tutors/staff available if required for support. We also have access to all the student support services that regular students have access to which is a great help. The facilities the university provide are also excellent, very clean, modern and functional.

This qualification is key career development. By completing this qualification I will be able to work with my same employer in a higher paid and higher skilled job. It allows me to perform my job with more underpinning knowledge and larger scope of practice. It also opens door to further training/progression opportunities with my employer.

At present this area is limited probably due to the pandemic. The university do have a society for this course and believe we are able to join as regular students could. Sports teams have started back at the university. Our employer offers CPD but otherwise is non existent or very limited.

Yes

Provide training opportunities for performing employees.

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