A former volunteer from Pontardawe has secured a full-time role with the Welsh Ambulance Service, highlighting how volunteering can open doors to rewarding careers.

Briony Daniel, 34, began volunteering as a Community First Responder in 2023, supporting local emergency services in her spare time. Her dedication has now led to a permanent position as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Llanelli.

“When I first started volunteering, I knew I wanted to be on the road, attending emergencies,” she said. “It was a dream of mine and I’m so proud to have fulfilled it. Every day is a school day and I’m always learning new things.”

Briony plans to continue progressing her career, with the aim of qualifying as a paramedic in the future.

She is one of four volunteers across Wales recently recruited into permanent roles, joining others from Newcastle Emlyn, Pembroke Dock, and Milford Haven. The recruits are being highlighted as part of National Careers Week (March 2-7) and bring a wide range of experience and share a passion for helping their communities.

Judith Bryce, Assistant Director of Operations at the Trust, 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 their website.