Welsh Ambulance Service announces freeze on newly-qualified paramedic recruitment

Final-year paramedic students in Wales have been advised to seek employment opportunities overseas due to a freeze on hiring newly qualified paramedics within the Welsh Ambulance Service. This recruitment halt has been attributed to both financial difficulties and operational challenges faced by the service. According to the Welsh Ambulance Service, no newly qualified paramedics will be offered roles this year.

Several paramedic science students reaching the end of their training shared with BBC Your Voice that they were encouraged to look for positions abroad, specifically in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. One student described the recommendation as “crazy and shortsighted.” Carl Kneeshaw, speaking on behalf of the ambulance service, acknowledged the tough financial and operational environment the service is currently managing. Meanwhile, the Welsh government stated it is collaborating closely with the ambulance service and other stakeholders to tackle these issues and provide support to graduates affected by the freeze.

The training of paramedics at degree level is heavily subsidised by Healthcare Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), a branch of NHS Wales, which has invested millions in bursaries supporting this year’s student cohort. Paramedic courses are offered at Swansea and Wrexham universities, with approximately 70 students expected to graduate this summer. One anonymous student expressed shock at the news and highlighted workforce pressures compounded by a “retire and rehire” pattern, which allows experienced officers to return to work after retirement to access their pensions. Additional concerns were raised regarding a re-grading process within the Welsh Ambulance Service, which some claim has worsened the recruitment situation.

Students have completed extensive placements across Wales, often traveling significant distances. Traditionally, after graduating, these students would start employment as Newly Qualified Paramedics (NQPs) on NHS Band 5, progressing to Band 6 roles after up to two years of mentorship. However, this year only about one-third of graduates were initially offered NQP positions, with many others given Band 4 roles as Emergency Medical Technicians instead. Swansea University has acknowledged the issue and emphasized its commitment to supporting students while engaging with HEIW and the Welsh Ambulance Service to explore solutions

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