National Apprenticeship Week 2026

During National Apprenticeship Week from 9-15 February 2026, Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) will be celebrating the contribution of 660 apprentices who are working in clinical and support service roles as part of its award-winning apprenticeship programme.

In September 2025, an additional Paramedic Science Degree Apprenticeship was launched, in partnership with the University of Hull, to complement the existing courses run by Teesside University and the University of Huddersfield.

This two-year, work-based learning pathway is a hands-on programme which combines academic study with practical experience, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn as part of an approved ambulance service or healthcare employer.

Zach North, Director of Apprenticeships / Senior Lecturer at the University of Hull, said: "The Paramedic Science Degree Apprenticeship is an excellent example of what we can achieve when universities and ambulance services work in genuine partnership. What is particularly powerful about this programme is that it removes many of the traditional barriers to higher education. Apprentices can progress to become a registered paramedic while remaining in paid employment, making the programme accessible to individuals who may not otherwise have been able to pursue a university degree.”

Leah Nesbitt, Apprenticeship Lead and Lecturer - Paramedic Science at the University of Hull, said: "Since welcoming our first cohort of 13 apprentices in September 2025, the Paramedic Science team at the University of Hull has been proud to support learners as they begin their professional journey into paramedic practice. Our apprentices have demonstrated enthusiasm, resilience and a clear commitment to developing the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required to deliver high-quality care to patients. 

“Working closely Yorkshire Ambulance Service, we are committed to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment that enables each apprentice to thrive as they prepare for a rewarding career serving their communities."

Kim Walsh, Apprenticeships Manager for Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “We are delighted to work with an additional university to offer a wider range of opportunities to our staff on the ambulance career pathway. Partnering with the University of Hull expands our Pathway to Paramedic Programme and provides vital development opportunities to staff in East Yorkshire. Colleagues can progress through our ambulance apprenticeship pathway completing Level 3 and Level 4 programmes, before moving onto the two-year Level 6 Paramedic Apprenticeship. There is also a further development step to become a Specialist Paramedic through an Enhanced Clinical Practitioner Apprenticeship.”

YAS also has a range of non-clinical apprenticeships for existing staff. New programmes include Level 4 Coaching Professional and the launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy (Level 4 Data Analysis).

The Trust is currently rated number 12 of the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, a list produced annually by The Sunday Times. Our in-house apprenticeships are rated as good with outstanding features, in the latest full Ofsted inspection.

More details about apprenticeships are available on the YAS website.