North East Ambulance Service recognised as one of the UK's top apprenticeship employers for fifth consecutive year

North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has climbed to 15th in the Department of Education’s UK's Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers rankings, marking its fifth consecutive year of national recognition and its highest-ever position.

The service, which employs more than 3,600 colleagues, including 306 apprentices, and serves a population of 2.7 million people across the North East, has continued its rise through the rankings thanks to its ongoing investment in high-quality apprenticeship programmes across both clinical and corporate services. The programmes help colleagues develop rewarding careers while supporting frontline patient care.

The achievement continues an impressive upward trajectory for the Trust, which has featured in the rankings every year since 2022:

• 2022 – 85th
• 2023 – 85th
• 2024 – 65th
• 2025 – 28th
• 2026 – 15th

NEAS remains the only ambulance trust in the UK to be recognised in this year's Top 100 and is one of only two NHS trusts to feature in the rankings.

The Trust also holds a 'Good' Ofsted rating for apprenticeship training and education.

The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers rankings recognise organisations not only for the number of apprentices they employ, but also for their commitment to creating new apprenticeship opportunities, supporting a diverse apprenticeship workforce, and helping apprentices successfully complete their programmes.

Apprentices continue to play a vital role across the organisation, supporting frontline operations and corporate services while gaining nationally recognised qualifications. From ambulance support practitioners and paramedic apprentices to colleagues developing specialist skills in business, digital, and leadership roles, apprenticeships remain a key part of the Trust's commitment to developing its workforce and delivering high-quality patient care.

The 306 apprentices currently employed at NEAS work in a variety of roles, including:

• 211 on the ambulance support worker apprenticeship, training to become ambulance care assistants or ambulance support practitioners while working on patient transport service (PTS) or emergency ambulance vehicles
• 61 on the internal paramedic apprenticeship programme
• 34 colleagues completing a variety of other apprenticeships across the organisation

Apprenticeship programmes at NEAS currently have a 100% pass rate, with a 31% distinction rate. All apprentices are employed in full-time roles within the organisation.

There are 13 apprenticeship programmes available, offering opportunities across both clinical and non-clinical careers, including:

• Ambulance support worker
• Artificial intelligence (AI) data specialist
• Chartered manager
• Learning mentor
• Cyber security technical professional
• HR support
• Paramedic

Karen Gardner, deputy director of people development, said: "Apprenticeships have changed significantly over the years. They are no longer seen solely as a route into work for school leavers, but as an opportunity for people at every stage of their career to develop new skills, gain qualifications, and progress within the organisation.

"To be recognised as one of the country's Top 100 apprenticeship employers for a fifth consecutive year is a fantastic achievement. Climbing to 15th nationally reflects the dedication of our apprentices, the commitment of our mentors and managers, and the teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver high-quality apprenticeship programmes. We're incredibly proud to provide opportunities that help people build rewarding careers while making a real difference to the communities we serve."

Kerry Bell is an apprentice ambulance support practitioner (AASP) with the service, currently completing two level 3 qualifications in Emergency Response Ambulance Driving, and Ambulance Emergency and Urgent Care Support. On her experience, she said: "Doing my apprenticeship with NEAS has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The combination of hands-on experience and structured clinical training has given me the confidence to make a real difference to people's lives every day.

“Coming into the role with no previous clinical or patient-facing experience, it has been a steep learning curve, but that's where the support from experienced paramedics and mentors has made all the difference. You learn so much out on the road, and returning to the training school for regular teaching helps reinforce everything we've experienced in practice. It's a challenging but hugely rewarding way to start a career in the ambulance service."

NEAS continues to invest in apprenticeships as part of its long-term commitment to developing a skilled, inclusive workforce, offering opportunities for people at every stage of their career to learn, progress and thrive within the NHS.

Find out more about apprenticeship and career opportunities on the NEAS careers website.