Published 01/04/2026
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) works with NHS organisations, universities, and partners to plan and commission education and training based on system need.
Students graduating in 2026 were commissioned during the immediate post COVID period, when workforce demand was significantly higher. Since then, there have been changes in service delivery, workforce models and staff retention, which have reduced the number of vacancies currently available for newly qualified paramedics in Wales.
This position reflects wider challenges seen across the UK, where there is currently an oversupply of newly qualified paramedics relative to available roles. The Welsh Ambulance Service University NHS Trust, as the main employer of paramedics in Wales, has confirmed that recruitment of newly qualified paramedics will be extremely limited this year due to these factors.
We fully recognise this will be a difficult and uncertain time for students and graduates, and we understand the strength of feeling being expressed. They are highly valued and have developed the skills needed to make an important contribution to patient care.
Workforce demand in healthcare can change over time due to factors such as service redesign, financial context, and improvements in staff retention. HEIW continuously reviews commissioning decisions with partners to ensure they reflect current system need and represent responsible use of public investment.
We are working closely with partners, including WASUT and universities, to support graduates to:
- register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- maintain their clinical competence
- explore opportunities for appropriate NHS employment.
This will ensure that graduates remain ready for employment as Paramedics when opportunities become available.
We recognise that graduates may be concerned about the requirement to repay the bursary if employment in Wales is not secured. The bursary policy allows for release from this obligation where there are limited employment opportunities, and we will ensure that an appropriate process is in place to support students.
We will continue to work with partners across NHS Wales to ensure that education and workforce planning are aligned and support a sustainable workforce for the future.
Media enquiries relating to employment decisions should be directed to the Welsh Ambulance Service University NHS Trust.