North East ambulance apprentices helping to deliver life-saving care as training programme earns 'strong’ Ofsted rating
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is celebrating a major endorsement of its training programme from Ofsted.
The service has been awarded a 'strong' rating for its apprenticeship provision, recognising the quality of training offered to the next generation of ambulance clinicians and support staff.
NEAS currently employs 306 apprentices across a range of clinical and corporate roles, from ambulance support workers and student paramedics to cyber security specialists and chartered managers.
Many apprentices gain hands-on experience on frontline ambulances while studying, supporting crews responding to emergencies and caring for patients in communities across the region.
In 2025/26, NEAS crews treated more than 143,800 patients in their own homes and local communities and transported more than 298,000 patients to hospital for further treatment.
Karen Gardner, deputy director of people development at NEAS, said: “Apprenticeships are a vital part of how we develop our workforce.
“They give people at different stages of their lives and careers the opportunity to learn, earn, gain qualifications and progress, while helping us build the skilled workforce we need to provide high-quality care to our communities.”
In 2024/25, the service’s apprenticeship achievement rate was 93 per cent, compared with 65 per cent nationally, while the apprenticeship pass rate was 100 per cent.
The report found that all apprentices who complete their programme remain employed by NEAS and progress onto higher-level roles, including the Level 6 paramedic apprenticeship.
Inspectors also highlighted the support provided to apprentices, including those facing barriers to education.
Leaders and staff identify barriers quickly and adapt support where appropriate, while educators receive training to help them support apprentices with barriers to learning – including understanding neurodiversity.