Student Paramedics Warn Of Jobs Shortage After Graduation

Student paramedics have been warned that thousands of newly-qualified workers could struggle to find jobs in the UK after completing their training.

The Royal College of Paramedics says up to half of around 2,400 new paramedic registrants this year may not move into professional roles.

It says the number of graduates entering the profession is now out of balance with the number of jobs available, with ambulance-sector vacancies expected to fall significantly.

One student told the BBC they had found the prospect of finding work after graduating "awful", while another said they would have considered an apprenticeship instead if they had known how difficult the job market would become.

The Royal College says the situation has changed rapidly, with recruitment having been much stronger when many current students started their degrees.

South East Coast Ambulance Service says it recognises the issue is "sensitive and challenging", with training places increasing while entry-level jobs have not kept pace.

It says there are currently no paramedic vacancies available at the trust, partly because more existing staff are choosing to remain in their roles.

The Department of Health and Social Care says there are now record numbers of NHS ambulance staff, including paramedics.