The North East Ambulance Service’s (NEAS) next cohort of paramedic apprentices and self-funded students have graduated with BSc (Hons) degrees in paramedic science.
The innovative apprenticeship programme offers internal staff from across the organisation a fully funded opportunity to become a qualified paramedic. The training is delivered by NEAS education staff in collaboration with Teesside University’s School of Health & Life Sciences and blends academic study with real-world experience, out on the road and in the classroom.
The paramedic apprenticeship was launched as part of NEAS’s commitment to developing a skilled, experienced, and motivated workforce and ensuring the enrichment of their current workforce. The training equips apprentices with essential clinical knowledge and hands-on training. Throughout their studies, apprentices build their skills through a mix of simulated scenarios, academic learning, and work-based training—all supported by the NEAS education team.
During their placement, students take to the road in a frontline, operational role. It is here that the apprentices gain invaluable experience—responding to urgent and emergency calls.
In 2024/25, the service’s emergency crews – including paramedic apprentices and students – transported over 280,000 patients from across the region to hospital, and treated over 139,700 patients at home.
Now qualified, the apprentices are trained and prepared to join the front-line workforce; attending a wide range of incidents across the region.
About the paramedic apprenticeship scheme:
- 20 apprenticeship places are offered annually. Currently, 61 apprentices are enrolled in the programme.
- Applicants are drawn from within the organisation, including ambulance support practitioners, emergency operations centre staff (health advisors and dispatchers), and support services personnel.
- The scheme offers an alternative to the traditional university route, focusing on practical, hands-on learning.
Trevor Merry, a graduate from this year’s cohort, is 52 years old and has been based out of Hebburn Tri-Station. Having recently completed the three-year course, Trevor graduated on Monday 14 July at Teesside University.
Trevor shared his experience: “I joined the NHS, initially working in pathology, testing blood and other bodily fluids before joining NEAS as an apprentice clinical care assistant (now ambulance support practitoners) in 2019.
“I then went on to successfully apply for the internal student paramedic position and started in the September of 2022. One day, I hope to complete a teaching qualification to enable me to help others who are on similar journeys to mine and would very much like to give back to NEAS in the future.
“My advice would be that you are never too old to start a career journey and the apprenticeship route, although extremely tough and challenging, is a rewarding experience which I wouldn't change for the world!”
In addition to the NEAS paramedic apprentices, this summer also marks the graduation of a number of self-funded paramedicine students from Teesside University and the University of Sunderland. Many of these students undertook placements with NEAS throughout their training and will now go on to begin their careers in the ambulance service and wider healthcare sector.
Karen Gardner, assistant director of people development at NEAS, said: “Celebrating the achievements of the paramedic apprenticeship cohort at Teesside University has been an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved in their journey. This three-year programme has been both rigorous and rewarding, and a privilege to witness the growth, commitment, and resilience shown by each apprentice along the way.
“On behalf of the entire education and development team, I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our graduates.
“I’d also like to thank everyone who supported this cohort throughout their training, especially the training and education team and operational mentors at NEAS, as well as our partners at Teesside University. Your collaboration and commitment have been vital to the success of this programme.
“Finally, I want to take this opportunity to celebrate the self-funded university students graduating from Teesside and Sunderland this summer. Many of them have undertaken placements with us and shown incredible potential and professionalism. We are excited to welcome them into the profession continue to see them flourish in their careers in the ambulance service.”
Find out more about careers at the North East Ambulance Service:
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