Kyle Davis, 29, and Adam Wheeler Davies, 27, are encouraging others to apply for jobs as Ambulance Care Assistants in the region.
Mr Davis began his career as a carpet fitter before being made redundant.
During the pandemic, he took a temporary job at a mobile Covid testing unit, which led to a permanent role with the Welsh Ambulance Service.
He said: “In 2020, in the middle of a covid pandemic, I never thought for the life of me I’d get a job at the Welsh Ambulance Service and be where I am today.
“I’ve been able to progress, and it feels good to be in the position I am now.
“I’m proud of myself and the job I do.
“It’s really rewarding and you feel like you’re making a difference.”
Mr Davis has since become a team leader, ACA, and recently qualified as an Emergency Medical Technician.
He believes the ACA role is a strong starting point.
He said: “The ACA role is a brilliant entry level role for anyone, I’d recommend it.
“It allows you to build a great foundation and it gives you a really good grounding in patient care.”
Mr Wheeler Davies, a former chef, has also progressed quickly since joining the service without prior healthcare experience.
He said: “When I joined as an Ambulance Care Assistant, I had no healthcare experience, so everything was brand new, but I had great training and got lots of experience on the job.
“It’s been great to progress in my role and I’m about to start my training as a trainee Emergency Medical Technician.
“I’m naturally a caring person so I get a lot of satisfaction from working in the community.
“It’s great to be helping people every day.”
The Welsh Ambulance Service is currently recruiting ACAs in Barry and Cwm Taf.
Applications close on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Successful candidates will complete a six-week training programme.
