Blackpool man studies in lockdown to earn his shot at dream paramedic career

PHX Training, based at the Enterprise Centre on Lytham Road in Blackpool, has been supporting Barry Knapton from Layton to study to become a paramedic.

Barry, 37, was recommended to PHX Training by colleagues to help him gain the necessary maths and English qualifications he needed to start a university course in paramedic practice.

Paramedic degrees generally need applicants to have GCSEs in English and maths, however Barry, who is dyslexic and has hearing difficulties, needed extra support to retake the courses. Working with the team at PHX Training, he developed a plan to study for the courses in his spare time.

During the lockdown, Barry has been able to complete his studying using workbooks and virtual video calls with his coach, while working around extra shifts in his current job.

PHX Training was recently awarded a £25,000 grant by Ufi VocTech Trust, a charitable organisation specialising in the adoption of digital tools for vocational learning, to deliver remote and online training during the lockdown.

Barry said: “During the period of lockdown we have spoken a couple of times per week and they given me the same level of support to continue my progress.

"Doing these courses, I have grown the confidence to continue in education and follow my dream of becoming a paramedic. Many thanks to the whole team at PHX Training.”

Duncan Wilding, Business Manager at PHX Training, said: “Barry’s commitment to learning a new skill and improving his chances of getting his dream job as a paramedic is phenomenal.

“Since starting the course, Barry has had everything thrown at him, from working extra shifts in A&E and coping with lockdown, through to overcoming his barriers to learning to continue studying towards his dream job.

“Our staff have support Barry every step of the way and become heavily invested in helping him to succeed and be able to study to become a paramedic.”