27 June 2025
Local NHS waiting lists fall, new figures show
The number of people waiting over a year for NHS treatment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has fallen by more than half, new figures…
Home » News » Pilot programme gives volunteers a pathway to join East of England Ambulance Service
A new programme run by the East of England Ambulance Service provides a direct route for volunteers to start a career with the ambulance service.
The ‘Volunteer to Career’ programme provides training for people to get the skills needed to begin full time roles at EEAST
And the course now has its first success stories, with graduates Grant Harvey and Matt Sharp taking up new roles as emergency care assistants in Ipswich and Hellesdon respectively in April.
Grant and Matt were two of 11 people on the NHS England-funded pilot programme and joined EEAST as volunteer community first responders after receiving induction training.
The students then shadowed ambulance crews and call handlers in an emergency operations centre to see which role would suit them best, before being trained to kickstart a career in that role.
In Matt and Grant’s case it was a career in frontline operations that appealed most and they undertook more clinical training to complete the course.
Grant also completed the four-week course to drive an ambulance on blue lights – the certificate in emergency response ambulance driving (CERAD) – so will be ready to hit the ground running when he joins the Trust in April.
The programme offers no guarantee of a job, but everyone on the course is supported throughout and secures qualifications that enhance their career prospects.
Matt joined the programme from the care industry having long wanted to pursue a career with the ambulance service, while Grant had previously been a lorry driver.
The programme has support from Helpforce, a charity which aims to accelerate the growth and impact of volunteering in health and care.
It is hoped that the early success of the programme will lead to it being continued and provide another pathway for people to join EEAST.
Vikki Darby, a leadership development manager at EEAST who led up the programme, was delighted to hear the news that Grant and Matt had secured jobs.
She said:
“It has been a privilege to support everyone on the pilot of the Volunteer to Career programme and I was ecstatic to hear Matt and Grant had been successful in their applications to join the Trust.
“The teamwork across the organisation to help launch this programme has been phenomenal and ensured it has been a success.
“Grant and Matt securing jobs at EEAST shows that the pathway works and we are looking to continue and develop this programme.”
Grant said:
“I would recommend this programme to anyone who is thinking about working in the ambulance service.
“It takes a lot of effort and sacrifices as there are many hours of studying, but it gives you a real sense of achievement when you have completed all the courses.
“The support from everyone involved with the programme has been fantastic and it gives volunteers a real insight into working at the ambulance service before committing to the job full time.”
Matt said:
“The support from Vikki and her team this on programme is exceptional. I can’t thank them enough.
“The course was challenging but very rewarding and you always felt supported.
“I feel incredibly lucky to be the first to have gone through this route to secure a job.”
For press enquiries, please email blmkicb.communications@nhs.net
27 June 2025
Local NHS waiting lists fall, new figures show
The number of people waiting over a year for NHS treatment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has fallen by more than half, new figures…
20 June 2025
Secretary of State officially opens new clinical space at Leighton Buzzard Health…
Seven new clinical rooms created to meet growing demand at Leighton Buzzard Health Centre were officially opened at a ceremony yesterday (Thursday 19 June) by…
17 June 2025
Celebrating Learning Disability Week: championing voices, and better health for all
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System (ICB) is supporting Learning Disability Week 2025 (16-22 June), shining a light on the experiences, rights, and aspirations of people with a…
11 June 2025
Bike Week 2025: Pedalling towards health – for us and the planet
During Bike Week (9-15 June), Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is encouraging residents to take to two wheels – for better health and a greener Earth.…
9 June 2025
Men’s Health Week 2025: early diagnosis saves lives
As Men’s Health Week (9-15 June) commences, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is urging men to prioritise their health by seeking early diagnosis for both physical…
6 June 2025
Local general practices offering 16% more appointments than last year
The number of appointments available at general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has risen again, according to new figures released by NHS England. The data – covering January…