It's National Apprenticeship Week the North East Ambulance Service is shining a light on the hard work of over 500 dedicated apprentices.
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has been ranked as one of the UK's top 100 apprenticeship employers for three consecutive years, ranking at 65th in the country, thanks to the efforts of its specialist education department which has invested heavily in apprenticeships.
Throughout a hugely successful year (2023/2024) the education team saw over 550 apprentices, with 134 graduating/completing and 425 still on-course.
The service covers 3,200 square miles across the North East region and employs more than 3,200 staff, serving a population of 2.7 million people. Every role within the service, plays a part in supporting our communities and delivering high-quality patient care.
Based at NEAS, students are enrolled into 14 different apprenticeship programmes and can choose from a range of programmes across clinical and non-clinical roles.
Apprenticeships with the North East Ambulance Service consist of work-based training programmes, combining on-the-job training with nationally recognised qualifications.
Dan Cooper, strategic education lead at North East Ambulance Service, said: “Apprenticeships are a great way to take a first step into healthcare, but they are also a great opportunity for people to work towards a new qualification, even if they are an established member of our workforce.
“Our education team dedicates a huge amount to apprenticeship programmes, and we are always looking at new and innovative ways to improve our work-based training programmes to help people develop into their roles.
“The apprenticeships we offer can be accessed at a range of levels and we look to encourage anyone, at any point in their career, to come, join up, see what our award-winning apprenticeship programme has to offer and expand your skillset.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of our job is getting to see colleagues grow, develop and reach their potential.”
Find out what it’s like to do an apprenticeship at NEAS from some of our current students - Gayle (paramedic apprentice), Jess (ambulance support practitioner apprentice), and Phil (ambulance care assistant apprentice, Patient Transport Service) below.
Gayle, aged 47, is one of our paramedic apprentices, on a three-year course.
Gayle said, "Studying and working on the road allows you to gain more experience in the role and is what led me to choose the apprenticeship route to becoming a paramedic.”
Wanting to be a paramedic since her 20s, Gayle didn’t initially pursue her dream and opted instead for a career in hairdressing.
It was twenty five years later when she built the confidence to make the huge leap and switch careers into a role at NEAS in the patient transport service (PTS), where she then completed training for her CCA apprenticeship.
Gayle added:
"Working as well as studying allows me to still earn as I study and gain valuable knowledge from my peers.
“It's hard work but a great way of learning the role and working with others.
“I would really recommend the apprenticeship route - you've got nothing to lose and valuable experience to gain. Just go for it!”
Listen to what Gayle has to say below:
Jessica is 27 years old and works as an ambulance support practitioner. Looking to develop her skills further, she is currently undertaking a 13-month apprenticeship course; level 3 emergency care.
She told us, "I have chosen to do the route of the apprenticeship to gain skills and knowledge in my area of work and hoping to go on to the paramedic apprenticeship in the future."
With a background in call centres, and working in A&E as a health care assistant, Jessica wanted to move towards emergency care, and spoke to staff from the North East Ambulance Service at an open day. She then joined NEAS and started her journey towards becoming a paramedic.
Jessica added,
"The benefit of the apprenticeship is learning on the job as well as in the classroom. We initially have 13 weeks training which is broken down into clinical and driver training before going out on the road.
"We then come in for training days every month to complete our assignments. There are always people around whether you're on the road or in training to help you gain your level 3 qualification.
"Go for it! Just keep at it and don't be afraid to ask any questions everyone is learning something new every day."
Listen to what Jessica has to say below:
Phil is 38 years old, on a 13-month apprenticeship course to become an ambulance care assistant for our patient transport service.
"I am hoping to advance my career into unscheduled care to help the most vulnerable patients in their time of need.
“An apprenticeship with NEAS is a fantastic way to start off and get the most information needed to support you in your journey."
Before joining the North East Ambulance Service, Phil was a delivery driver and after visiting one of our open days, decided to change course and apply. He added,
"I would highly recommend the apprenticeship to anyone, there is so much support. If you are struggling with anything, the team is there to help you no matter what the situation."
Listen to what Phil has to say below:
There are 14 different apprenticeship courses available at the North East Ambulance Service and we support our colleagues in accessing a range of externally facilitated apprenticeship courses.
There’s more than just clinical and front-line role-based courses available. As well as paramedic, ambulance support practitioner, and ambulance care assistant courses, we offer:
- Intermediate level apprenticeship in business administration;
- Advanced level apprenticeship in business administration;
- Management apprenticeships – Level 3;
- Management Apprenticeships – Level 5
For more information on apprenticeships, please visit our website.