Newly Qualified Paramedics Advised to Seek Jobs Abroad
Students have reported receiving advice to apply for positions in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
The Welsh Ambulance Service has confirmed that no newly qualified paramedics will be recruited in Wales this year due to "financial and operational" challenges.
Final-year paramedic science students told BBC Cymru they were advised to seek employment opportunities overseas.
One student described the situation as "crazy," while another said they felt "really low" and were "struggling significantly" during the final weeks of study and placement.
Two universities in Wales, Swansea and Wrexham, offer BSc Paramedic Science courses, with approximately 70 students expected to graduate this summer.
The Welsh Government stated its commitment to ensuring that "our investment in health education and training is supported by meaningful job opportunities."
Degree-level paramedic training is largely funded by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), which is set to spend millions of pounds this year on bursaries.
Students complete months of placements, sometimes over 100 miles from home, across various parts of Wales.
In previous years, students were expected to take on roles as newly qualified paramedics (NQPs) within the Welsh Ambulance Service at NHS Band 5 pay.
Following a mentorship period of up to two years, NQPs would progress to Band 6 paramedic roles.
However, in 2025, only about one-third of graduates received NQP job offers initially, with some offered Band 4 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) roles instead of paramedic positions.
Recruitment Freeze for Newly Qualified Paramedics in 2025
This year, the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust (WAST) announced no NQP roles will be recruited.
Carl Kneeshaw, People Director at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: "Like many NHS organisations, we are navigating a challenging financial and operational landscape, meaning recruitment decisions must consider various factors including current staffing levels, service demand, workforce skill mix, and affordability."
"Unfortunately, as things stand, we are not in a position to employ newly qualified paramedics this year," Mr Kneeshaw added.
"We understand this will be very disappointing for those hoping to start their careers with us, especially after the time, effort, and commitment invested in their training, but we are committed to supporting them as they consider their next steps."
Impact on Students and Workforce Challenges
One affected student told BBC Cymru they were shocked by the news and had been informed that a pattern of "retirement and return"—where NHS workers retire and then return to the health service—has added pressure on the workforce.
Others claimed that internal regrading within the Welsh Ambulance Service contributed to the current crisis.
Despite bursary requirements that typically mandate students remain in Wales, HEIW has informed this cohort they are now free to work anywhere.
A student from Swansea University said they had contacted ambulance services across the UK but found very few vacancies available.
They described the situation as extremely frustrating but remained hopeful of securing a paramedic role in Canada.
Political and Public Reactions
A Welsh Government spokesperson stated they are "working closely" with relevant authorities and universities to "respond to these challenges and support graduates."
Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, described the news as a "shocking waste of talent and taxpayers' money."
She added the situation "makes no sense" and asserted it is "clearer than ever that Labour has mismanaged the NHS in Wales with no plan to fix it."
Dr Gwyn Williams, Plaid Cymru candidate, said the decision "threatens to worsen ambulance wait times and highlights how inadequate Labour's election promises are."
With paramedic training costing £150,000 per individual, he described the waste of £10 million in training as a "tragedy and a massive missed opportunity."
The Welsh Conservatives called the situation a "clear example of workforce planning failure," deeming it "completely unacceptable" that graduates have no job offers.
A party spokesperson said the Conservatives would "recruit, train, and retain frontline staff" to ensure those wishing to serve communities can do so and that patients receive timely care.
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