North East Ambulance Service has been recognised by the government as one of the 
The service, which employs more than 3,200 people, including 357 apprentices, and serves a population of 2.7million people across the North East, is one of only four NHS organisations to make it into this year’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, maintaining its position from 2023. NEAS is the only ambulance Trust to be recognised for three successive years.
The Trust also holds a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating for apprenticeship training and education.
Employers are ranked not just on the number of apprentices they take on, but recognising their commitment to creating new apprenticeships, the diversity of their apprentices, and the number of apprentices who successfully achieve their apprenticeships.
The 357 apprentices currently employed at NEAS work in a variety of roles, including:
- 272 on the ambulance support worker apprenticeship, training to become ambulance care assistants or clinical care assistants whilst working on the patient transport or emergency ambulance vehicles.
- 61 on the internal paramedic apprenticeship course
- 24 colleagues on a variety of other apprenticeships across the organisation
Apprenticeship courses offered through NEAS currently have a 100% pass rate, with a 34% distinction rate. All apprentices are also employed in full time roles within the organisation.
There are 14 apprenticeship courses available and students can choose from a range of programmes across clinical and non-clinical roles including:
- Ambulance Support Worker
- Business Admin Level 3
- Chartered Manager
- Customer Service
- Cyber Security Technical Professional
- Information Communication Technician
- Paramedic
Karen Gardner, assistant director of people development, added: “Apprenticeships were traditionally seen as something that was only for school leavers at career entry level but they have come on so far over the last few years and are now undertaken by people of all ages and at all levels to help our people progress throughout their career.
“To be recognised in three successive years in the Top 100 nationally is a fantastic achievement and something I am really proud of. It is testament to the efforts of our teams behind the scenes.”
Backworth-based paramedic apprentice, Catherine Fish, joined the service in 2010 as a health advisor before becoming a health advisor trainer in 2016. She said: “I am over the moon to have completed and earned my degree. At times, the journey to qualifying has been overwhelming and incredibly challenging but the unwavering support of my fellow apprentices, our amazing mentors, and our colleagues on the road was invaluable.
“Completing my degree and graduating from university is a surreal and proud moment for me. When I began working for NEAS as a health advisor, I could never have imagined the world of opportunities that would be available to me. To anyone considering taking an apprenticeship route, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to pursue it. The journey is challenging, but the rewards are so worth it. You will never regret taking the leap.”
All vacancies are available to view on the NEAS website: https://
Quotes from apprentices:
“I'm a very practical person so doing a practical based course of study is far better for me than, say another degree. I learn better by experiences, so this ticked a lot of boxes for me.”
“There's so much I like about working for NEAS. I like the fact that there's room for progression. The training school is fantastic, and they support you all the way through the apprenticeship. And my colleagues, they are the people that make NEAS a great place to work, they're caring and passionate and support you on the road, especially when you're new."
"In my opinion, coming in at the apprenticeship level is the best way to learn the core skills involved with working on the ambulance, as well as an understanding of NEAS as whole through a mix of classroom and work experience.”
"I like working at NEAS because of all the ways they've helped me better myself as an individual and grown my self-confidence which helps me deliver the best care I can to patients. I feel part of the bigger picture and work well in the team."
“Whilst studying this apprenticeship I have been able to build my confidence both within my role and self-belief. I also appreciate the help and support from my peers, mentors and tutors who are always on hand to guide me in the right direction.”
“There is a great work ethic, and the staff are all very supportive of each other. NEAS is like one big family and from my short time here, I feel I can go to anybody with any issues and they are always willing to help."