From volunteers to new careers with the Welsh Ambulance Service
02.03.2026
The Welsh Ambulance Service is celebrating the volunteers who have secured full-time careers as part of National Careers Week (2-7 March).
The Trust has welcomed four more permanent members of staff who all began their careers as volunteers within the Trust.
The new additions come from all over Wales, bringing wide and varied experience along with a real enthusiasm for what they do.
The latest recruits follow in the footsteps of many other volunteers who, over the years, have gone on to work in various roles across the organisation.
John Barker, 56, who lives with his husband James in Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire, began volunteering as a Community First Responder (CFR) in 2022 after previously spending 30 years working mostly offshore and abroad in the oil and gas industry.
He said: “I’ve never been one for sitting behind a desk and I’ve always needed to be where the action is, so to speak.
“I was at a bit of a loose end when I volunteered as a CFR and during one of my training sessions, I distinctly remember thinking, this is it, this is what I want to do.
“I’m now an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Cardigan and love what I do.”
Like John, Briony Daniel, 34, from Pontardawe, Neath Port Talbot, is another former volunteer who is now working as an EMT in Llanelli.
Briony began volunteering as a CFR in 2023 and always had aspirations of working as part of a crew on an emergency ambulance.
She said: “When I first started volunteering, I knew that one day I wanted to be on the road, on blue lights, attending emergencies.
“It was a dream of mine and I promised my dad that one day I would make it, so I’m so proud to have fulfilled my promise.
“Every day is a school day and I’m always learning new things.”
Briony will not be resting on her laurels though and has further aspirations of progressing her career, eventually aiming to qualify as a paramedic.
At just 25, George Morgan is one of the younger volunteers to have progressed on to a permanent role as an EMT.
George, from Broadhaven, Pembrokeshire, began volunteering as a CFR in 2024 and is now working as an EMT in Pembroke Dock.
Like Briony, he aims to one day become a paramedic but is more than happy to spend the next few years progressing his skills and learning his craft.
He said: “Being a CFR was the perfect way to transition into the service as an Emergency Medical Technician.
“The training I received as a volunteer was fantastic and really gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to move on to a full-time position.
“I can honestly say that I love what I do.”
Simon Bufton, 36, from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, is another former volunteer who has now gone on to become an EMT with the Trust.
Simon, who lives with his wife, Sian, 33 and their two boys, Tommy and Elis aged four and seven, has found a good balance between working long shifts and managing with his young family.
Simon said: “When I started volunteering as a CFR my background was in the hospitality industry but over time, I realised that a career in the ambulance service was what I really wanted.
“Having two young boys to help look after with my wife has its own challenges but I’ve found that working shifts also gives me different opportunities to spend time with my family
“Depending on which days or which shift I’m working, it means that I get to spend time with my family that a normal day job wouldn’t allow.
“I’m really settled in my role and although you never know what the future holds, I believe I’ll be remaining as an EMT for many years to come.”
Assistant Director of Operations, Judith Bryce, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many people from such diverse and varied backgrounds joining the Welsh Ambulance Service.
“Whilst we very much recognise the contribution our volunteers can make to their roles across Wales, we also recognise the valuable contribution they can make by building on these transferable skills as staff members.
“Volunteering is an excellent foundation and gateway to a whole host of other opportunities across the Trust.”
Jenny Wilson, National Volunteer Manager, said: “In 2021, the Trust launched its first Volunteers’ Strategy, which set out how volunteers would be better integrated into the workforce and better supported to deliver the role.
“However, there are many different roles within the organisation and volunteering can be a great way of understanding and appreciating the demands of each one, whether it’s out on road or working behind the scenes in one our regional headquarters.
“The training our volunteers receive is thorough and comprehensive and it’s encouraging to know that this has given some of our people the skills and confidence to successfully pursue full-time careers within the Welsh Ambulance Service.
“I wish each and every one of them the very best in their careers and thank them for their time as volunteers.”
If you are interested in a career or volunteering with the Welsh Ambulance Service, visit: Get Involved - Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust