Benfleet apprentice paramedic "inspired" to help people in her career
Hannah Mickleburgh-Gardham is about to complete her paramedic degree apprenticeship
A woman from Benfleet, who was inspired as a child to become a paramedic, is on the verge of completing her paramedic degree apprenticeship.
This National Apprenticeship Week, Hannah Mickleburgh-Gardham is being recognised, working with the East of England Ambulance Service.
Her ambition to become a paramedic stems from her mum and nan's care, when paramedics helped during difficult moments.
She said: “After seeing how incredibly they looked after my family, and the way they reassured me, I knew working for the ambulance service was what I wanted to do.”
A taster session at Southend Ambulance Station encouraged Hannah to consider an apprenticeship pathway rather than a traditional university degree, a decision she says transformed her future.
Hannah said: “Looking back, it was absolutely the right decision for me. The apprenticeship route helped me build my confidence academically, while learning hands-on from so many amazing colleagues.
“I’m now thinking about taking the next step and starting a master’s degree, something I never imagined I would consider. I didn’t feel that traditional academic routes were for me at school, but this experience has shown me what I’m capable of. I’ve proven to myself that I can do it.”
Her natural warmth and communication skills have become a key part of her care: “I’m a bit of a chatterbox really, and I like to make patients feel at ease. It makes a huge difference."