Ryan’s proud to be on the blue team of the ambulance service

Although he has family members that are paramedics and technicians, Ryan Jennings has more of a behind the scenes role at West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS); a role he believes carries just as much job satisfaction.

“My family is on the front line of our service that I call the green team, while I’m more in the background as a fleet mechanic on the blue team,” explained Ryan. “We all contribute in some way to the life-saving work that goes on. There’s a real satisfaction in that.”

This sense of achievement is even more special for Ryan after the former apprentice completed Level 2 and 3 advanced light vehicle qualifications at Walsall College. The 21-year-old received his certificates during the recent National Apprenticeship Week.

“I was working in a garage before joining the ambulance service and have found this to be a more independent role,” he said. “I feel I take more pride in my work. We have a different way here of demonstrating the quality control standards you expect from a mechanic.

“Ambulances cover thousands of miles of road so it’s my job to think about their long term functionality. Our vehicles must always be in the best possible condition. That’s why I give 110% to the job.”

Ryan is one of 15 fleet mechanics to have completed an apprenticeship scheme with this ambulance trust.

“The scheme has proven to be a real success story for us,” said Tony Jones, Head of Fleet Engineering at WMAS. “We have seen apprentices through the scheme over a nine-year period, with seven of them employed directly by the Trust on completion of their programme.

“This is testament to the quality of the young adults we have seen through the programme and to the fleet workshop team. By imparting their knowledge and experience, they have fully supported each apprentice’s development.”

Having worked at the ambulance trust for three years, Ryan is now ready to explore further training as a master technician