Date published: 29 March 2023

The future looks bright for a Wales Air Ambulance apprentice after his successful completion of a sustainability qualification while working for the lifesaving Charity.

Jack Tancock, from Swansea, has been awarded a Level 2 Diploma in Warehouse Recycling and Sustainability, a course undertaken as part of his salaried apprenticeship with the Wales Air Ambulance. 

The Charity’s Apprenticeship Scheme, which launched back in 2021, saw Jack become the first Warehouse Sustainability Operative apprentice He is based at the Wales Air Ambulance shop and warehouse in Cwmdu, Swansea.

Jack has learned, amongst other things, how to identify suitable donations not just for the shops but also for the Charity’s e-commerce platform, which includes anything from bric-a-brac to clothing. 

For the recycling part of his role, he has learned how to identify items suitable for recycling, which also generates income for the Charity. Jack said: “I wanted to do the apprenticeship so that I could learn and gain more experience on my C.V. It feels really rewarding to work for the Wales Air Ambulance and I would encourage young people to apply for apprenticeships with the Charity to help them gain more experience.

 “I am very appreciative to Wales Air Ambulance for giving me this opportunity. It has provided me with the opportunity to learn whilst also earning a salary.

“I love working in the warehouse and the relationships I have made with colleagues have made it so much easier. They’re a great bunch and I am grateful for all their support.

To achieve the qualification, Jack has been required to complete several mandatory units and has been assessed ‘on-the-job’ as part of the normal working environment and routine.

Jack added: “I am incredibly proud to have achieved this qualification, and I have loved learning about our Charity and what it provides to the people of Wales. ”

Fellow apprentice, Leon Neilly, also completed his Level 2 qualification this year.

In 2021, the Wales Air Ambulance Charity spent time developing a new strategy. Within it, there is a strong focus on youth engagement and sustainability. 

Michelle Morris, Wales Air Ambulance’s Director of People and Organisational Development, said: “Our apprentices gain a valuable industry-recognised qualification whilst working and earning a salary, providing them with the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to their role and the Charity.

“We have seen the benefits of the apprenticeship programme. Our apprentices have grown in confidence, they apply their learning to the workplace, and they have had a positive impact on those around them.

“The programme has helped us to recruit and develop our future talent and we look forward to extending our apprenticeship programmes further.”

Shaun Gower, Transport and Warehouse Manager, is immensely proud of Jack.

He said: “When Jack joined us you could tell he was lacking a bit of confidence. Throughout his time at the warehouse, the whole team has nurtured and looked after him. It’s not always been easy for Jack, but as a team, we have coached him along the way.

“There’s a lot of work involved but Jack has stuck at it and he fully deserves this qualification.”

“When I heard he had passed the first thing I did was shake his hand, and he had a beaming smile. I could see how much it meant to him. His confidence has grown significantly; it’s been an honour to watch, and I am extremely proud of his achievement.”

It is hoped that the Wales Air Ambulance can continue to offer further apprenticeship programmes and give apprentices the opportunity to become permanent members of the workforce.

Shaun continued to say: “Jack has done this to better himself, and I look forward to helping him progress even further. Jack will stay with the Charity and has the opportunity to shadow other departments or complete further training.”

“I have enjoyed working with our apprentices. Their success is our success.”