• Home > 
• Careers > 
• Our roles > 
• Apprenticeships > 
• Apprenticeship week 2022 > 

Paramedic apprenticeship case studies

In September 2021 we launched our new paramedic apprenticeship in partnership with Teesside University. Hre some of the students tell their stories.

Find out more about the programme here.

James Atkinson

This isn't James' first apprenticeship - he started his previous career in industrial electrical maintenance via an apprenticeship too. Before starting his paramedic apprenticeship, James was a clinical care assistant for four years and it has provided career progression as well as being able to remain at NEAS while studying.

Jessica Bell

Jessica started working for NEAS as a communications officer in our emergency operations centre, before completing a clinical care assistant apprenticeship and she is continuing her career progression on our paramedic apprenticeship programme.

Jessica said: “My apprenticeship is the gateway to an array of opportunities once qualified. Paramedic carers are becoming more and more with some exciting progressions available.

“I think the apprenticeship route is great, there is a lot more practical exposure to learn while you work than other more academic routes and has really helped me gain more knowledge learning from others and have understanding when able to put skills into practice.”

Catherine Fish

Catherine started at the Trust 12 years ago and has worked in roles in our emergency operations centre. Without this opportunity, Catherine wouldn’t have been in a position to study to become a paramedic.

She said: “It’s opened a world of possibilities for me.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for anyone at any age. It’s not an easy option though, there is lots of study whilst working, but without doubt a life changing opportunity.”

Thomas Hodge

Tom joined NEAS in March 2020 – just a week after the country went into its first lockdown – as part of our emergency preparedness, resilience and response team, but has had aspirations to be a paramedic since he was 18.

He said: “I learn better through getting hands on and practicing skills, and the apprenticeship has a lot of time set aside to enable us to do this. We’ll finish the apprenticeship with a well-rounded knowledge of everything we’ll need to be able to support our patients.”

Mark Stoker

Mark felt the paramedic apprenticeship was a natural progression from his role as a clinical care assistant.

He said: “I would encourage anyone to progress their skill set and knowledge base if they are attentive, level-headed and empathetic. It is important to balance learning (university), work and most importantly your own welfare and mental health. Set aside time for you to switch off and relax. Remember your support network; friends, colleagues, family and fellow paramedic apprentices – they known what you are going through and supporting each other is vital.”