The University of Cumbria achieved success at a national awards ceremony.

The university's paramedic science degree apprenticeship won at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2024.

The scheme was named winner of the Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year.

The University of Cumbria's paramedic science degree apprenticeship was named winner of the Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year (Image: THE Awards) The university's apprenticeship scheme allows ambulance staff to become qualified paramedics within two years and supports seven of the 11 English ambulance trusts.

It is now expanding to help Manx Care on the Isle of Man.

The scheme offers students entry via non-traditional routes and provides career opportunities for people without a degree who need to earn while learning.

First University of Cumbria paramedic degree apprenticeship graduates celebrating in July 2023 (Image: University of Cumbria/Becker Photo Carlisle) 79 per cent of apprentices at the university achieve a first or upper second (2:1) class degree.

96 per cent go on to take up paramedic roles after completing the programme.

The judges said: “In a strong category, the project shone through because of the clear success metrics, because of the focus on mature students as well as those with specific learning difficulties and because of the scalability.”

Associate professor in paramedicine and director of the Centre of Excellence in Paramedic Practice at the University of Cumbria, Tom Davidson, collected the award.

He said: "We’re particularly proud about how the apprenticeship can have an impact on individuals who may’ve never had the opportunity to access university before.

"It is wonderful to see how they are accessing and progressing in higher education through a non-traditional route, so many diverse backgrounds, and the success rate they are enjoying which all supports and contributes to the NHS workforce regionally and nationally."

The University of Cumbria is one of the largest providers of degree apprenticeships in the country, with more than 2,000 learners in various fields.

The university has been awarded more than £600,000 to move into new areas of youth work, digital user experience (UX) and creative digital design.

Professor Julie Mennell DL, vice chancellor, said: "We are very proud of our paramedic staff, apprenticeship team and professional services colleagues who, working alongside practitioners and partners, provide the NHS with hundreds of paramedics each year, right across the country.

"This award is most deserved, recognising a fantastic collective effort, which helps to ensure that those in need of help, often at times of crisis, have the expert help and support they need."

The university's honorary fellow, Lord Bragg of Wigton, was also recognised at the awards.

Lord Bragg, an Honorary Fellow of University of Cumbria, speaking at the awards (Image: THE Awards) Lord Bragg received the Outstanding Achievement Award.

The THE Outstanding Achievement Award recognised Lord Bragg’s tenure as presenter of BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time. 

The show brought university-level expertise to topics including history, science, philosophy and religion.