Crawley College students shine at ceremony as future lifesavers graduate

There were celebrations all round as students, staff, family, and friends gathered to mark the graduation of 64 ambulance service apprentices. 

Held at Lingfield racecourse on Friday 3 October, the event saw 15 Emergency Care Support Workers (ECSWs) and 49 Associate Ambulance Practitioners (AAPs) from the college come together to celebrate finishing their course. 

The occasion was part of the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) Celebrating Success Ceremony, held to honour the achievements of those completing their training. 

The evening also featured a selection of awards presented to the most improved and outstanding learners in each course.  

Students from the University of Cumbria and City St. George’s University were also in attendance, as they celebrated graduating from their courses alongside Crawley College students.  

One of these award-winning students on the evening was Julie Prior, who studied the Emergency Care Support Worker Apprenticeship at the college. She received the most improved learner for her hard work in the course.  

She described what it felt like to receive the award, saying: “I was not expecting to receive an award at all. There are lots of ECSWs that have worked really hard. So, I was just really honoured to receive the award.”  

She also went on to talk about the event, adding: “I have found the event absolutely amazing…just seeing everybody going up to receive their awards and seeing everything that everyone’s achieved. It’s been a really nice event, and definitely worth coming to.  

“It’s been such an achievement to graduate. I’ve wanted since I was 16 to be a paramedic, but as life has gone on…other things have taken priority, and so at the age of 56, I decided that I was going to try again, so I finally got the career that I really wanted.  

Jaqualine Lindridge, Chief Paramedic Officer at SECAmb, added: 
“I’m absolutely delighted we are recognising the dedication that has led to these hard-earned achievements. The hard work has all paid off and we are here to applaud your success. 

“This event demonstrates the scope of the continued clinical learning offered by SECAmb and it makes me so glad that we can acknowledge so many of you here who have committed to this academic journey.”