Published 17 January, 2024.
Australian Paramedical College (APC) is delighted to announce not one, but two ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans have been awarded scholarships to study the HLT51020 Diploma of Emergency Health Care.
These scholarships offer a pathway to paid employment in the pre-hospital healthcare sector and strongly supports both recipients to explore a new career post-service.
Director of Education at APC, Simon Sawyer, said the college is very proud to provide these deserving recipients with this opportunity and couldn’t be happier to have them be part of our community.
“The emergency healthcare industry has always held very strong links to the defence force sector, and this scholarship gives two outstanding veterans an opportunity to transfer their military skills into a career in emergency health care.”
“The emergency healthcare industry will benefit greatly from these two new recruits and the skills that they have learned and will carry into their future employment,” Dr Sawyer said.
Who are the Scholarship recipients?
Our scholarship recipients, Gregory Gonzalez and William Fountain, were selected based on their strong responses to our application criteria, their ADF tenure and expressed desire to help people and contribute positively. Both recipients had made the decision to move forward with transitioning into the healthcare industry, regardless of the scholarship outcome, which shows their true dedication and passion.
Meet Gregory Gonzalez
Gregory has been an active volunteer in his community since leaving the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) after 13 years of service. From volunteering as a fire fighter and spending some time in the mines training in the emergency response team, to volunteering with our Industry Partner St John WA and even coaching his son’s Auskick team; there is no doubt Gregory has an unwavering passion to give back and help others in any way he can.
Inspired by an experience while volunteering where he helped a young man who had been in an accident, Gregory was driven to pursue a career in healthcare. With some first aid skills already under his belt from his time in the RAN, he is determined to inject himself into a professional healthcare position once he’s equipped with further skills and training at APC.
“I’m still at a loss for words after being awarded the scholarship with APC but I am as excited as I am anxious to see where the diploma and the experience with APC takes me, I am however looking forward to the adventure while learning new skills and meeting new people along the way,” he shared.
Gregory on duty while serving in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
Meet William Fountain
William said he is grateful and deeply honoured to have the chance, supported by Soldier On, to pursue the APC diploma. With 11 years of service in the army, he believes he will be a good fit for a career in prehospital healthcare because he wants to make a positive impact on people’s lives and continue serving his community in a different capacity.
William’s experience in the ADF has instilled a strong work ethic in him, alongside teamwork and the capability to thrive in high-stress environments.
“This opportunity will enable me to elevate my clinical understanding, ensuring the delivery of quality pre-hospital care to those in need. I am confident that this experience will equip me with the crucial clinical context necessary to adeptly guide highly skilled medical professionals.”
“As I look ahead to completion, I am eager to evolve as a proficient first responder and manager within a specialised, international event first aid, health, and medical services company,” he shared.
William on operations in the Middle East region on Remembrance Day.
What’s next?
APC couldn’t be more excited to support both dedicated and deserving ex-serving veterans, and now APC students, as they study the HLT51020 Diploma of Emergency Health Care.
Keep an eye out for updates on how both Gregory and William are enjoying studying paramedicine as we follow their journey over the next 12-24 months as they complete their course!
Supported by Soldier On
Our incredible Education Partner, Soldier On, is a national charity that offers health, education, employment, and social connection support services to current and former ADF personnel and their family members.
Soldier On supported this scholarship, sharing the opportunity with their participants and encouraging eligible members of their community to apply.
Soldier On CEO, Amy Cooper, congratulated the recipients and shared “Education Partners like APC are absolutely integral to our support model for supporting our veteran community to thrive in life after service, helping them to utilise transferable skills learned in their military career.”
“This scholarship is an incredible opportunity for individuals to start a career in emergency and pre-hospital healthcare, and we wish the successful applicants all the best with their studies. We’re especially thrilled to learn that one of our Soldier On participants has been successful and look forward to supporting him on this exciting new career path!”
You can learn more about their organisation and our education partnership here.
Image supplied by Soldier On
Career Pathways
Whether you’re looking to transition into a new career like our scholarship recipients or are simply looking for a way to help your local community, studying at APC is an excellent way to start your journey in healthcare.
There are various career pathways you can take depending on your personal interests and aspirations, such as an Event Medic, Patient Transport Officer (PTO) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). To learn about some options available to APC graduates, click here.
If your ultimate goal is to become a registered paramedic, the great news is studying at APC can put you on the front foot towards this pathway too! To learn all there is to know about university pathways, the benefits of studying a Diploma first and how we can help you get there, click here.
Studying at APC
Not already part of our wonderful community?
One of the most important things to know is at APC we are passionate about delivering quality education and a positive training experience for all our committed students. Keep reading to learn what to expect as a student, and beyond:
- Study online at your own pace, so you can work at the same time
- Gain hands-on experience via Clinical Workshops and Clinical Placement
- Graduate with a nationally recognised qualification
- Have first-hand access to industry leading organisations offering employment to APC graduates
If you’re not already enrolled and would like to check out our courses, you can learn more about our offering here.
