The service has been recognized for its work in boosting career opportunities for more people across the region. The annual rankings, produced by the Department of Education in partnership with High Fliers Research, list the businesses with the most successful apprentice programs across the country.
NEAS ranked at 80 and is one of only three NHS Trusts in the top 100 list. It employs 2,900 staff and serves a population of 2.7 million people across the North East.
Patient focussed service
Karen O’Brien, Director of People and Development, said: “We’re committed to making NEAS a great place to work, and offering opportunities for staff to grow and develop is a key part of this. Being included in this list shows that when our new staff join the service, we equip them with the skills and confidence to deliver an excellent patient focussed service to the people and communities across the North East.”
“The whole team who play a part in apprenticeship delivery from recruitment, safeguarding, education, pastoral support, and mentoring are incredibly passionate and dedicated in supporting our staff to be able to work in line with our Trust values of compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence.”
Clinical care assistants
They support apprenticeships in a variety of roles including support services
Earlier this year, the Trust was also awarded a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating in its first full inspection for apprenticeship training and education. From April 2021 – March 2022, NEAS employed 178 new apprentices.
Overall, there are 206 in the organization working in a variety of roles including 166 who are on the ambulance support worker apprenticeship delivered by NEAS, training to become ambulance care assistants or clinical care assistants whilst working on the patient transport or emergency ambulance vehicles. They support apprenticeships in a variety of roles including support services.
Fantastic transferable qualifications
Karen Gardner, Assistant Director of People Development and Education said: “There are thousands of employers/providers across the country so it’s a really fantastic achievement that we have been recognized amongst the best in the country.”
“Apprenticeships provide our staff with the option to achieve fantastic transferable qualifications as well as hands-on training where skills learnt can be put into practice. I’m delighted for the Trust but in particular the education and training team who work so hard to keep improving and supporting the students.” Recruitment will be starting soon for an ambulance care assistant course beginning in November 2022 and a clinical care assistant course starting in January 2023.