SWASFT champions workforce development during National Apprenticeship Week

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week this week, from February 10th to 16th, by highlighting the critical role apprentices play in delivering dedicated patient care across the region. This initiative, which has become a cornerstone of workforce development in the UK, shows the growing need for apprenticeships within the National Health Service.

National Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide celebration aimed at recognising and promoting apprenticeship schemes, offers a platform to showcase the contributions of young talent in various sectors. For SWASFT, which currently employs over 250 apprentices spanning roles from paramedic and clinical support to cyber security and finance, the week is an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to building a highly skilled and resilient workforce.

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."

One of the key components of SWASFT’s apprenticeship offering is the paramedic degree apprenticeship, designed for individuals who wish to become fully qualified paramedics without following the traditional university route. Apprentices receive intensive practical and theoretical training, including clinical placements and classroom instruction in pharmacology, patient assessment, and advanced life support techniques, to prepare them for the high-pressure demands of emergency medical care.

Since January 2021, SWASFT has seen robust enrolment in its paramedic apprenticeship programme, with over 305 apprentices trained to date. Looking ahead, the Trust has set ambitious targets to integrate 565 paramedic apprentices into its workforce by 2029/2030, aiming to enroll around 120 new apprentices annually.

Mark Walker, a current paramedic apprenticeship student at SWASFT, reflected on his experience:
"Over the course of the apprenticeship, I have come to understand the full role of being a paramedic and have gained a newfound respect for those who make it look so ‘easy.’ The training and self-learning have empowered me to confidently lead during serious incidents, and I feel fulfilled and proud of my role."

In recognition of its forward-thinking approach to training and development, SWASFT was a finalist in the Large Employer of the Year category at the Apprenticeship Awards Regional Finals in October 2024. This demonstrates the Trust's reputation as a leader in nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

SWASFT’s commitment to apprenticeships is part of a broader strategy to address skills shortages and improve service delivery in emergency care. By investing in apprentices, the Trust not only enhances its operational capacity but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the NHS workforce.

For more information on apprenticeship opportunities at SWASFT, interested individuals can visit the Trust’s apprenticeship page on their website.