Newly Qualified Paramedics are struggling to find jobs, despite the constant staff shortages within the NHS. With the current staff shortages and cries for the pressure to be released on our Ambulance Service, the Welsh Ambulance Service has announced it is in no position to hire newly qualified paramedics this year. 

Currently, the universities in Wales offering the courses are in Wrexham and Swansea. On Monday, April 20th, Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) announced that it will not be taking students on for the upcoming academic year in order to reduce competition for vacancies. 

Student Paramedics at Swansea University | Source: Swansea University

In a statement, HEIW said, "Pausing new student intakes is considered the most responsible step to reduce competition for vacancies over the next few years, and support current and upcoming graduates into employment." Many future students, who were offer holders for Paramedic Science at Wrexham and Swansea Universities for the upcoming year, have been sharing their frustrations on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Many students set to graduate in the coming months are without jobs, and have been told support will be in place for them to maintain their clinical skills; however, many are feeling incredibly uncertain about their future in Paramedicine, especially after putting so much time and effort into their roles. 

Student Paramedic in practical session | Source: Wrexham University

Many students in other healthcare courses across the universities are also worried about the future of their careers. Will there be jobs for them when they graduate? Or will they find themselves in similar situations to the current Student Paramedics?