National Apprenticeship Week

06 February 2023

National Apprenticeship Week

To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2023 (6-12 February 2023), we’re celebrating apprenticeships across Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

We have staff taking part in a range of apprenticeships, from project management to paramedic. Whilst most of our apprentices are on our Ambulance Support Worker (ASW) and Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP) programme, internally there’s a huge range of subjects and levels for non-clinical staff across Yorkshire Ambulance Service to get involved in.

We currently have 27 apprentices working towards their qualification, with six staff having successfully completed programmes in customer service and project management.

You can read some case studies of our recent apprentices who have completed programmes including project management, business administration, HR and customer service below.

Kim Walsh, YAS Apprenticeships Manager, said: “Apprenticeships are a brilliant opportunity for existing staff to develop their knowledge and skills in areas relevant to their job role AND gain a nationally-recognised qualification.

“Internally, they are also a great way for our line managers to develop team members and consider recruiting apprentices on training programmes for roles that may ordinarily be difficult to fill.”

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we are also celebrating the fantastic career path that we offer within Yorkshire Ambulance Service to train as a paramedic through our apprenticeship programmes.

Staff can join us on a Level 3 Ambulance Support Worker (ASW) apprenticeship, progress to a Level 4 Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP) apprenticeship and go on to achieve their paramedic degree with an Integrated Degree Apprenticeship at Teesside or Huddersfield universities.

Our ASW and AAP programmes are provided internally by the YAS Academy as an employer-provider for apprenticeships.  

​​​​​​​We’re proud of our excellent training and are delighted that our Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP) Level 4 apprenticeship​​​​​​​ has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Learning Awards ‘Apprenticeship Programme of the Year’.

Apprentice factfile

We have a total of 482 apprentices at YAS in clinical and non-clinical programmes.

27 apprentices are currently on non-clinical programmes via external providers with YAS.

6 staff have successfully completed non-clinical programmes via external providers with YAS.

In 2022, 77 of our staff have successfully achieved the Ambulance Support Worker (ASW) Level 3 apprenticeship.

In 2022, 64 staff have achieved the Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP) Level 4 apprenticeship.

24 staff have achieved a Paramedic Apprenticeship Degree at University of Huddersfield and Teesside University, having followed the full paramedic apprenticeship career path with YAS.​​​​​​​

We currently have 338 learners across the ASW and AAP programmes.

We currently have 141 staff on degree level programmes with Teesside and Huddersfield universities.​​​​​​​

58% of all AAP apprenticeship completions (46 staff) received a distinction in 2022.

23% of all ASW apprenticeship completions (23 staff) received a distinction in 2022.

Apprentice case studies

Alice Blackburn, HR Advisor, is due to complete a Level 3 HR Support apprenticeship in June 2024.

"I left high school and went to university to study Primary Education, I completed three years at university whilst working part time in a HR department, this resulted in my career aspirations changing and developing an interest in working in HR and aspiring to develop my knowledge to allow me to become a HR Advisor. To allow me to progress in my career I was keen to start the apprenticeship programme to ensure I had the relevant qualifications and knowledge to help me follow my aspirations to work in HR.

Having been to university I have a good understanding of how to learn academically, however I have really enjoyed that I can learn whilst working. Doing the apprenticeship alongside my work ensures that I can apply what I learn into my role. Having the time to complete off-the-job learning has also ensured that I have had the opportunity to attend a wide range of different meetings and webinars to help broaden my knowledge.

My advice to staff would be to research the apprenticeship you are interested in undertaking and discuss at length with your line manager to ensure that they can support you and feel it would benefit you at work.

Since starting in my apprenticeship, I have been lucky enough to become a HR Advisor, the apprenticeship has helped me to link my learning to my everyday role and supported me in my understanding of, and development in, my HR knowledge."

Dan Imeson, Ambulance Practitioner, has completed Level 3 Ambulance Support Worker and Level 4 Associate Ambulance Practitioner apprenticeships and is now enrolled on a Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship Level 6 at the University of Huddersfield.

"The apprenticeship career path best suited my learning style as it was more practical based than purely academic study, although there is an element of academia. The way the learning is delivered fits perfectly around home/family life (a rarity with two small ones running around) and gives you plenty of 'on the job' exposure and learning opportunities. 

I have most enjoyed learning new skills, acquiring new knowledge to further expand on and being given the responsibility of being lead clinician on an ambulance. Also, meeting new people whilst at training school/university.

My advice to those thinking about an apprenticeship would be 'go for it!'. It is a fascinating area to study, learn and work in and you will be amazed at what you can do when you throw yourself into something. Listen to the educators and experienced members of staff, their experience is invaluable. 

My career development has helped me to be able to bring a better level of knowledge and understanding to the people I encounter at work, as well as being able to reassure family members if they have a question or need any help with medical things. The pay rise is appreciated as well!"

Fae Clements, Quality and Safety Administrator/Quality Improvement Fellow, is due to complete a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship in February 2023.

"I joined YAS in winter 2019 and wanted to further my knowledge in business administration. I spoke to a few people who had completed the course that had similar job responsibilities as me who recommended the course.

Overall, I have really enjoyed the course; it gives you a good understanding of how YAS works, not only in your department but across all the directorates, as some of the modules involves you speaking to other team members in other departments and learning about them.

I would 100% recommend doing this course and any apprenticeship as it allows you to learn whilst doing your day-to-day work. Apprenticeships are a great opportunity to develop your skills and experience and is a much more practical approach to learning. I believe this will benefit my current job role as an administrator as I now have a deeper knowledge. In completing this course, it will allow me to progress onto another one and hopefully progress in YAS."

Laura Walker is currently on secondment as a HR Coordinator and is due to complete a Level 3 HR Support apprenticeship in June 2024.

"The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development is something that I have always had the desire to study to help me gain knowledge and skills in HR, however being able to do this as an apprenticeship has allowed me to work and learn at the same time. I can now start to apply my learning in the workplace; you really do see the development in yourself by taking part in an apprenticeship.

I am really enjoying challenging myself and pushing myself out of my comfort zone and the apprenticeship has allowed me to do that. I love the fact you are given time to develop yourself, but also apply that development within your role.

My advice would be to definitely do your research and make sure it's right for you. I contacted Wakefield College in the first instance and then spoke to my line manager and the YAS Academy. I wanted to understand the pros and cons and how it would work for me. It is hard work, but the rewards will be worth it. I’m keeping that end goal in mind at all times.

So far, the apprenticeship has really boosted my confidence and is helping me to develop both personally and at work. I am hoping by completing this it will help me towards achieving my end goal of being HR Advisor at YAS."

 

Produced by: Corporate Communications Department