Rob Kelly is in the final year of a Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship with University of Staffordshire, studying alongside his fulltime job with West Midlands Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust.

He joined the profession during the Covid-19 pandemic, initially training as an emergency medical technician and working towards his dream of becoming a paramedic.

Rob began his degree apprenticeship in 2024, despite being daunted by the prospect of returning to education after many years away.

He worried that his age might be a barrier and questioned whether he could keep pace academically and clinically. Yet what Rob has gone on to prove is that rather than barriers his life experience, maturity and resilience are some of his greatest strengths.

His course tutors have now nominated him in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.

They said: “His journey is one of courage, determination and transformation, the story of someone who refused to let self-doubt define his future and instead chose to pursue a long-held ambition to become an HCPC-registered paramedic.

“He does not simply want to pass the course; he wants to become the very best clinician he can be. His employer describes him as proactive, reflective and thoroughly deserving of recognition, highlighting how consistently he seeks feedback, pursues development opportunities and applies himself to improving his practice.

“This is echoed by his lecturers, who describe Rob as enthusiastic, resilient and driven, with consistently high standards in both education and clinical practice.”

Rob has become a course representative for his peers, helping to create a learning environment where others feel valued and capable.