Two University of Cumbria lecturers have been shortlisted in prestigious business awards for veterans.
Andrew Blake and Sarah Jae Hilton are paramedic lecturers at the university and have been named as finalists in the 2024 British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, dubbed the Oscars of veteran employment.
The awards ceremony takes place in London on Thursday, June 27, where 1,200 business and military leaders will be in attendance.
The awards showcase the business achievements of ex-military personnel, presenting them as role models to service leavers, and recognise the employers that support current and former members.
Andrew has been shortlisted in the lifetime achievement category.
After joining the Duke of Edinburgh regiment in Salisbury as a Private at the age of 16 with only one O-level, Andrew’s career started with his first post in Osnabrück, Germany where he developed his passion for healthcare, becoming a company medic.
With several postings complete, including Canada where he engaged in live firing training, Andrew left the armed forces in 1981. It was at this point his mother-in-law gave him a newspaper article advertising an ambulance driver position.
Later, Andrew was one of the first ambulance workers in the country to be awarded the title of paramedic. A respected paramedic professional, the university approached Andrew in 2006 to seek his help to develop its continuing professional development (CPD) framework.
This built the foundations of the university’s successful paramedic provision that today includes a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and degree apprenticeship provision that develops higher-level skills across the sector, with the university today proudly working with ambulance trusts and health trusts across the UK to support the NHS workforce.
Andrew, who retired from frontline ambulance service duties in 2019 after 35 years, said: “I am extremely overjoyed to be nominated, but professionally as well, with my background of being a silly 16 year old joining the army to being nominated at this stage of my career.
“I am very excited about being nominated and the fact it’s been acknowledged from my background rather than being the classic university student after leaving school, doing A-levels then into a job, I’ve gone through the whole system and come out this end.”
Sarah is a finalist in the Rising Star of the Year category.
Sarah served in the Royal Army Medical Corp for 16 years. Her service included operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and working as clinical training senior non-commissioned officer, where she helped design, develop, and deliver training for combat medical technicians aspiring to become paramedics.
Sarah received her Long Service Good Conduct medal and later left the army following the birth of her second child. Today she continues to provide weekend and locum medical cover to support military families.
Sarah’s relationship with the University of Cumbria began when she enrolled and successfully completed the university’s paramedic DipHE. She went on to gain a first class BSc (Hons) in developing paramedic practice and is now a member of the academic team, joining as a paramedic lecturer within the Centre for Excellence in Paramedic Practice in 2021
In her role, Sarah designs, develops, and delivers educational programmes to paramedics and allied health professionals globally at degree and masters levels. Her research exploring the impact of immersive technology and the value it has on learners’ experience was recently published in Health Professions Education Journal in June 2024.
Sarah said: “I am honoured to be shortlisted for this award as I feel that with determination and drive, anyone from all backgrounds, ages and genders can reach their goals and have a successful and fulfilling career.
“I hope to inspire female military leavers that opportunities are available to all that strive to achieve them.”
In July 2023, the University of Cumbria received the MoD Defence Relationship Management’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, the highest accolade for those who commit to employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.
Director of Centre for Excellence in Paramedic Practice at the University of Cumbria, Associate Professor Tom Davidson said: “Both Andrew and Sarah’s military and academic journeys to date are an inspiration to all those who are coming out the military and are looking for another career.
“Our university received an Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in 2023 in recognition of its support to the Armed Forces Community, including veterans, and we wish both our finalists the best of luck for Thursday night.
“Our university is also recognised and prides itself on addressing sector, regional and national skills needs. We do this by working closely with frontline services and industries to upskill and reskill the workforce to serve our graduates and communities, enabling them to thrive, now and for future generations.”
