Take learning into your own hands with an apprenticeship
Along with some other health and social care careers, paramedic science now provides an alternative entry route through apprenticeships. These provide an attractive alternative to university qualifications by offering the best of both worlds, in addition to providing financial support throughout the training.
Learn more
Paramedic apprenticeships - an alternative way of learning
For those wanting to pursue a career as a paramedic in emergency services, the apprenticeship pathway is an appealing entry route into the career. Some ambulance trusts offer the option of studying while you work on a pathway that will provide you with the same qualification as the university pathway.
What’s it really like?
Traditional university degrees and apprenticeships have some similarities - primarily in the qualification that you’ll receive. Apprenticeships in health and social care are often referred to as degree apprenticeships - this just means that although the format of the education may be different, students would still obtain the same qualification.
Apprenticeships are hosted by universities, but this is done collaboratively with partner organisations such as the NHS, ambulance trusts, or private care providers. Often, they will be the organisations that will have details of opportunities.
There are some similarities between typical university degrees and degree apprenticeships. Students undertaking a degree apprenticeship will spend approximately 80% of their time in clinical settings, with the rest in a learning environment. As the time at university will be less than some other students, the time to complete an apprenticeship can take longer - this can be between two and four years.
As students undertaking a degree apprenticeship, the curriculum won’t differ drastically from the curriculum that is studied by those undertaking the traditional route. An important thing to note is that degree apprenticeships aren’t currently available at every university. So, it’s important to do your research, and check for the apprenticeships online, and which university they’re connected to.
If you’re an aspiring paramedic student who is interested in spending more time in clinical practice, the degree apprenticeship could be the route for you.
FAQS
What do I need to be accepted onto a apprenticeship?
Can I get financial support?
What do I need to know?