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Published 20/04/2026
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), in agreement with Welsh Government and the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust (WAST), has taken the decision to pause the commissioning of new Paramedic Science programmes for the 2026-27 academic year.
This decision aims to improve employment opportunities for current and future graduates and better align workforce supply with demand.
Student places for 2026 graduates were determined in 2022 during the immediate post-pandemic period, when workforce demand was significantly higher.
Since then, changes to service delivery including the introduction of a new clinical model by WAST, improved staff retention, and wider financial pressures have reduced the number of roles for newly qualified paramedics. WAST, the main employer of paramedics in Wales, has confirmed recruitment will be extremely limited this year, reflecting a wider UK trend.
HEIW recognises this is an uncertain time for students and graduates. Pausing new student intake is considered the most responsible step to reduce competition for vacancies over the next few years, and support current and upcoming graduates into employment.
HEIW and WAST are working closely to identify potential employment opportunities in ambulance services and across wider health and care settings. Some graduates might still secure paramedic roles, but this may take time.
In addition, support is also being developed for recent graduates to maintain clinical skills and competence, access continuing professional development, and explore potential alternative career pathways. This will help ensure when Paramedic vacancies become available, recent graduates will be able to move into them.
HEIW also acknowledges concerns regarding NHS Wales bursary repayment. The bursary terms and conditions include provision for individuals to be released from repayment requirements where appropriate.
ENDS.
Media enquiries relating to employment decisions should be directed to the Welsh Ambulance Service University NHS Trust.