Name: Jane Dewhurst
Age: 41
Home town: Preston
Job: Apprentice EMT 1
Start date: 29 June 2020
Expected completion: July 2021

The apprenticeship so far… I’ll be honest it’s taken time, dedication, and heaps of motivation and some parts have been stressful to the verge that I want to break down in tears. However other parts have made me laugh so much you cry.

 The experience as a whole I wouldn’t change. I’ve learnt so much along the way including new skills and find myself being confident in situations I never believed I could be. It’s taught me to appreciate the small things in life, as there are some people that just don’t have the small luxuries I take for granted, including good health and family.  It’s made me a new circle of friends that I can chat with who fully understand what I’m going through.

I’d encourage anyone to take up an apprenticeship if given the opportunity. And in my case I found you’re never too old to learn something new. I joined NWAS because I wanted to give back something to people in their time of need. The apprenticeship seemed an ideal career path for me as it allowed me to continue to work and gain a salary whilst gaining my qualification and also get practical experience rather than just text book learning.

The apprenticeship I’m currently working towards is a Level 4 Diploma – Associate Ambulance Practitioner. It consists of 13 weeks of clinical classroom based training and 4 weeks to gain a Level 3 Certificate in Emergency Response Ambulance Driving, which includes a practical driving exam.

This is then followed by “on the job” learning for the next 9 months; gathering evidence and experiences to complete my apprenticeship portfolio, although this can be done before the 9 month period. Finally I’ll complete an end point assessment, which if I pass, means I will be a fully-fledged emergency medical technician. The only advice I could give to others about to embark on an apprenticeship is don’t think it’s an easy ride! It takes lots of hard work, in your work and personal time to complete, but if you’re organised and dedicated the rewards are worth it!