National Apprenticeship Week – David’s story

This National Apprenticeship Week we’re sharing our people’s stories and experiences of completing an apprenticeship with us.

“My name is David Ayliffe, and I am in the final stages of training as an apprentice emergency medical technician (AEMT). For 10 years prior to joining the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), I owned and operated a CrossFit gymnasium based in North Herts.

I decided on a career change to the ambulance service as I felt it had similarities to that of my role in the gym. During that time, I prided myself on adding value to people’s lives through fitness and wellbeing. As an AEMT, I’d like to think I am adding value to people’s lives in what could possibly be their worst day.

My apprenticeship journey thus far has been mostly a positive one. Not being in an educational environment for over 30 years prior to starting, I found the initial 12-week clinical classroom learning a challenge. After reaching out, I was very well supported by the amazing tutors and my fellow students.

The apprenticeship structure worked very well for me. Once I completed and passed the initial 12 weeks, I was then assigned to a station to complete my on-road training.

Whilst on the road there is a requirement to complete a portfolio and written course work, which is signed off by our mentors and senior clinicians. This is to demonstrate your knowledge, competency and understanding of real clinical emergency situations.

The apprenticeship is geared for independent learning and is self-paced, which suited me. Juggling the written course work and pad [GH1]?sign offs whilst simultaneously learning on the job was, at times overwhelming. Each learner will have a pad sign off folder where their mentors will sign off each task once they have seen them complete each direct observation. They will mark each task from outstanding to inadequate and leave a comment surrounding that task. This is a separate portfolio to your written coursework, and once both are completed, they will be sent off to get marked by the apprenticeship team. Balancing this and maintaining a good working life balance also takes a bit to get used to.

However, I have been well supported throughout by the classroom mentors, on station mentoring, support and training team, leading operation managers and the awesome crew members I have worked with.

Having previously served in the Australian military, joining EEAST as a frontline clinician - it has been great to be working as a part of a team again. I am very proud to be wearing the uniform.

Once qualified and settled into the role, I will be looking at furthering my education and career within EEAST by applying to the paramedic pathway.

The apprenticeship may not be for everyone, however, if you are an independent learner, want to earn and learn on the job and want to make a difference to people’s lives, the apprentice pathway could be for you!

It is not all rainbows and unicorns; however, it is a very rewarding and humbling job.”

If you want a job that gives you the opportunity to make a difference, start your #CareerForLife with EEAST today. You can find out more about careers and volunteering opportunities at www.eastamb.nhs.uk/join-the-team.