Yorkshire Ambulance Service Apprenticeship Programme

Yorkshire Ambulance Service's (YAS) Patient Transport Service (PTS) Apprenticeship Programme was named Employer of the Year in the NHS Yorkshire and the Humber Apprenticeship Awards 2011.

At YAS many of the apprentices work in the non-emergency PTS's road operations and communications divisions which offer great prospects for a future career with the ambulance service. So far, 66 apprentices have completed the Apprenticeship Programme with the Trust and a further 22 apprentices are due to complete their training by August and November 2012. 12 new operational apprentices started their training in February 2012 and 10 new apprentices started in communications in April 2012.

PTS currently runs a variety of award-winning apprenticeship programmes for a fixed term of one year.

Apprentices earn a wage and gain job-specific skills whilst working alongside experienced staff. During the apprenticeship period, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally-recognised qualifications.

YAS offers the following apprenticeships in:

• PTS Road Operations
• PTS Communications Centre
• Administration and Business
• Fleet
• Information Communication Technology (ICT).

The Apprenticeship Framework achievement rate within YAS is 90% and the vast majority of apprentices who have completed the scheme are now employed by YAS.

Apprenticeship Programme

As an apprentice with YAS you will:

• earn £100 per week
• receive training
• receive paid holidays
• gain qualifications
• learn job-specific transferable skills
• be entitled to weekly study time to undergo training or complete work on an NVQ qualification.

Training and Development

As part of the YAS apprenticeship programme you will receive:

• a Technical Certificate
• an NVQ Level 2 in: Business Administration, Customer Service and a Diploma in Healthcare Support
• key skills in literacy and numeracy
• in-house basic training courses
• personal development reviews.  

During the apprenticeship year you will attend different development days which will include:

• interview techniques
• equality and diversity
• stress management
• portfolio building.

Departmental Visits

As part of your apprenticeship you will receive different development days which will include observing ambulances and visiting the:

• Yorkshire Air Ambulance
• 999 Emergency Operations Centre
• PTS Communications Centre
• Ambulance stations
• Hazardous Area Response Team (HART)
• Support services, including Fleet.

Contract of Employment

Your apprenticeship contract of employment will consist of the following:

• one year fixed-term contract
• 37.5 hours per week
• £100 per week
• 27 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays
• study time
• training workshops
• uniform
• Personal Protective Equipment (for Operational Road apprentices).

Working Arrangements

As a YAS PTS apprentice, your working arrangements will include:

• a local induction
• a named line manager and mentor
• rota and shift patterns
• hours of work between 07:00 and 19:00.

Staff Support

All apprentices on the programme will have staff support from their line manager and mentor along with:

• the Equal Opportunities Policy
• Performance Department Reviews
• Access to the Occupational Health service
• Peer support
• a local buddy.

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

Below are a number of case studies from apprentices who have successfully completed the YAS Apprenticeship Programme.

Carrie Durham (19) PTS Administration Apprentice
"When I completed my college course and got the grades that I was predicted, I thought looking for an apprenticeship was a great opportunity. I have learnt that an apprenticeship is a good way to prepare myself for the future, working and training in a highly-skilled work place with staff who support you all the way.

"I have been taught new skills and it has opened a lot of doors for when I complete my 12 month apprenticeship, I think that it is a great opportunity to experience what it would be like working full-time and having the chance to earn a wage, while I am learning and progressing further into what I would like to achieve longer term.

"I feel that I am gaining knowledge and extending my own independence which has given me the confidence to approach my own tasks and when I complete them I feel rewarded.

"My outlook on life has become more positive since I have started my apprenticeship; I have gained self-confidence and a determined approach to everyday life."

Sarah Brown (19) PTS Apprentice Reservation Clerk
"At college I completed a Uniformed Public Services course and when I left I looked at different jobs within the NHS, but because I had no experience none of the jobs advertised were suitable.

"I came across the vacancy for the PTS Comms Apprentice on the NHS Jobs website, and as I have always had an interest in the ambulance service I thought it would be the perfect job to apply for as it would give me experience and it would hopefully provide me with a progression route into becoming a paramedic.

"I have completed most of my apprenticeship and I have now been offered a job as a Resource Assistant on the Hull Single Point of Access desk for the Patient Transport Service."

Sam Wilby (19) PTS Administration Apprentice
"When I left school, I really didn't know what I wanted to do...I had always been interested in public services, and wanted to do a job that was exciting and varied.

"After doing some research on apprenticeships I realised this could be a really good opportunity, getting paid whilst gaining additional qualifications and experience.

"I'm now half way through my apprenticeship with YAS and it's already been a really enjoyable experience that I feel I have gained a lot from.

"I definitely think it was the best option for me."

Kristopher Harden (24) Reservations Clerk
"I signed up for the apprenticeship scheme after leaving university and was looking for a way into the NHS. I wanted to use the apprenticeship to gain qualifications and experience for future roles, and was hoping YAS could provide me with a career in something I would enjoy.

"The apprenticeship gave me a chance to see other aspects of the ambulance service showing me the numerous career paths I could follow. The greatest benefit, besides the knowledge and experience, was the role based around learning and development.

"The chance to gain nationally-recognised qualifications was a big bonus for me personally as the lack of these has hindered me in the past.

"Towards the end of the apprenticeship I had the chance to start applying for jobs within YAS. I applied to mainly NHS sites to stay in the same profession, as well as YAS. I had only positive experiences over my 12 month apprenticeship so when a full time job was offered to me I accepted straightaway."

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for an apprenticeship with YAS visit the NHS Jobs website at www.jobs.nhs.uk You will be able to see all the latest apprenticeship vacancies and apply online.

For general information and advice about apprenticeships visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Both of the above websites will detail the qualifications needed and the recruitment process for each apprenticeship you apply for.