Peterborough paramedic named University of Cumbria “Apprentice of the Year”

Jade Ford, who is based in Peterborough, received the prestigious award at a graduation ceremony in Carlisle in July after completing the University of Cumbria’s Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship with First-Class Honours.

The award celebrates Jade’s exceptional commitment, academic excellence and dedication throughout her studies, during which she balanced the demands of frontline ambulance work with university learning.

Jade was selected from a highly competitive field of healthcare students at the University of Cumbria, one of the UK's leading providers of paramedic degree apprenticeships.

Jade Ford said:

“If you had told me at the start of this apprenticeship that I would be standing here as a qualified paramedic, graduating with a First-Class Honours degree and receiving this award, I probably wouldn't have believed you.

“To every colleague at the East of England Ambulance Service who has taught me, challenged me and supported me along the way, thank you. Every shift, every patient and every piece of advice has helped shape the clinician I hope to become.

“You have made this journey unforgettable, and I truly couldn't have done it without you.”

Developing the next generation of paramedics

The paramedic degree apprenticeship continues to play a vital role in developing EEAST's future workforce, providing an alternative route for existing staff to qualify as paramedics while remaining in employment.

Since its launch in 2021, the programme has enabled ambulance clinicians to progress their careers while gaining the skills, knowledge and experience needed to deliver high-quality patient care.

255 paramedics have qualified through the programme at EEAST, with 111 apprentices currently undertaking the course.

Katie Burst, Head of Education and Learner Experience at EEAST, said:

“We are extremely proud of Jade and delighted to see her receive this well-deserved recognition.

“Her achievement reflects not only her own hard work and determination, but also the dedication of the colleagues and mentors who have supported her throughout her journey.

“Balancing degree-level study with the demands of frontline ambulance work is no easy task, and Jade's success demonstrates what can be achieved through commitment and perseverance.

“The paramedic apprenticeship programme is an increasingly important route into the profession, opening opportunities for people who may not wish to follow a traditional full-time university pathway.

“It also helps develop well-rounded clinicians who gain extensive frontline experience throughout their training, and we see it continuing to play a key role in developing our future workforce.”

Hanna Stevens, Principal Lecturer in Paramedic Practice at the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Health, said:

“Our programme team has seen first hand the dedication, resilience and determination Jade has shown during her studies.

"She consistently demonstrated continued engagement with support offered and willingness to overcome challenges, graduating with a First-Class Honours degree. Jade is an exceptional role model for her peers, whose compassion, work ethic and commitment to her studies and patient care make her a truly deserving recipient of the Apprentice of the Year award.”

“The East of England Ambulance Service and University of Cumbria have worked collaboratively for over five years to support learners such as Jade to achieve and often exceed their potential. Moments like this provide an opportunity to celebrate the transformative impact of the programme on our learners and, ultimately, the patients that they provide care for. Congratulations Jade, we wish you all the best for your future career, we are so proud of everything you have achieved.”