A WELSH Ambulance Service worker has won an acclaimed award.
Darren Anthony, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Caernarfon, has been awarded the Higher Apprenticeship of the Year Award for 2023 by Skills Academy Wales.
The ceremony was held at Neath Port Talbot College, where outstanding learners, providers and initiatives in work-based learning were celebrated across the Skills Academy Wales Partnerships during 2022/23.
Darren joined the Welsh Ambulance Service in September 2022 as a Trainee EMT, undertaking the Higher Apprenticeship Level 4 Ambulance Practitioner qualification.
Darren said: “After a 28-year career in the leisure industry, I was able to fulfil a long-awaited ambition to join the ambulance service and I was so pleased to be given the opportunity to pursue my passion for helping people.
“Through the guidance of the Trust’s Learning and Development Team and mentors, I have received valuable feedback and support during my apprenticeship, enabling me to identify areas for improvement and strive for excellence in my work.
“I am honoured to have a received this award which makes my continuing journey even more special.”
Outside of work, Darren continues to assist others within his local community, delivering fitness courses as well as being involved with Sport Relief charity work.
In the past, he has also undertaken a sky dive for Marie Curie, a charity close to his heart supporting people with a terminal illness.
Claire Hurford, the Trust’s Apprenticeship Coordinator who nominated Darren for the award, said: ”Darren is enthusiastic about personal development and consistently prioritises his patients’ needs.
“He is willing to lend a helping hand to others and it was an absolute pleasure to nominate Darren and for this award.
“Darren’s apprenticeship program is nearing completion, and when he qualifies, he aspires to pursue further learning and apply for a paramedic degree programme.”
Laura Jones, Learning and Development Manager for the Trust, said: ”From the outset, Darren applied himself with great enthusiasm in all aspects of the training.
“This commitment to learning was recognised when he was awarded Student of the Course during the Trainee Emergency Medical Technician induction phase.
“Darren’s work ethic, personality, professionalism and dedication are exceptional, and I have no doubt that he will progress from an EMT to a paramedic.”
