WMAS celebrates first cohort of “in-house” paramedic degree graduates
Student paramedics complete first-of-its-kind apprenticeship-style degree delivered entirely within West Midlands Ambulance Service
The first cohort of student paramedics to complete a fully internally delivered degree programme at West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has finished their training, marking what the Trust says is a major milestone in developing its future workforce.
The Paramedic Degree, delivered in partnership with the University of Derby and validated by the HCPC, is the first of its kind among ambulance services, with students trained entirely within WMAS rather than through a traditional university route.
One of the graduates, Abbie, says the apprenticeship model gave her far more direct experience in real emergency settings.
She said: “It was really good to be honest. One of the best parts about it was the fact that we could actually get experience on the road a lot more.”
She explained that training was split between short classroom blocks and longer periods on frontline placement.
“We’d only have two weeks of in-classroom activities at a time and the rest of the time would be practical experience on the road, which was massively beneficial to help our clinical experience and expertise.”
Abbie said she originally chose the route after becoming interested in emergency care through the Army Cadets.
“One of the subjects we did was first aid. I found that I really enjoyed that. So when it came to looking at university courses… someone recommended to me the apprenticeship route.”
She says being embedded in ambulance crews from early in the course made a significant difference.
“We make up the second member of the team… you will be asked to do things pretty much from day one.”
“Whereas with a uni student… you’re then an additional member to that team, which means potentially you wouldn’t get the level of exposure.”
The programme, based at WMAS’s National Training Academy in Sandwell, combines academic learning with operational experience, with students working alongside qualified paramedics throughout their training.
Abbie said that exposure gave her confidence in high-pressure situations.
“I’ve gone to all of those things, so I now feel much more confident to come out as a fully qualified paramedic and be able to continue going to these things.”
She is currently working as a technician while awaiting formal registration, but says she is already on the frontline.
“I’m still working… still doing shifts as I normally would.”
Abbie also said the apprenticeship route made a big personal difference financially and practically.
“This process has allowed me to save money to buy my first home with my partner… whereas doing the university, I wouldn’t be able to have those funds available.”
She described strong support from tutors and mentors throughout the programme.
“The tutors were so good at listening to our feedback… and the paramedics that you work with, who are your mentors… they are brilliant and they will provide you with as much support as you want.”
Looking ahead, she says she is proud to have been part of the first cohort.
“As with all first cohorts… there are going to be slight teething issues, but nothing compared to what I thought there would have been.”
“If an issue occurred, the tutors would fix it… we worked together to come to a solution.”
The Trust says the programme strengthens links between classroom learning and real-world patient care, with graduates now progressing into qualified paramedic roles across the West Midlands.