Mayor names London Ambulance Service as top apprenticeship employer for third year running

The Mayor of London has named London Ambulance Service as Apprenticeship Employer of the Year for its trail-blazing programme to train paramedics to work in the capital.

This is the third year running the Service has won the prestigious title in the Adult Learning Awards and saw Deputy Mayor for business and growth Howard Dawber present the awards at a ceremony at City Hall last night (6 November).

Darren Avery, Strategic Workforce Development Manager at London Ambulance Service, said: “We are very proud that we can offer apprentices the skills, knowledge and experience they need to thrive.

“Not only have we created a pipeline of paramedics but we are giving people in London the opportunity to gain a degree – and a career – with no debt.”

More than 2000 apprentices have trained with London Ambulance Service since it launched its apprenticeship scheme six years ago – and most of those stay working for Service after completing their training.

At the ceremony, Deputy Mayor for business and growth Howard Dawber, said:

“We want this city to be a city where everybody can get on, where there’s a route for you to take part in all this economic activity going on.

“That’s why these awards today reflect the importance of innovation, it’s about trying things out and making an effort”

Most apprentices join as Assistant Ambulance Practitioners (AAPs) – a role which needs no previous medical experience.

The skills they learn in the classroom are quickly put into practice on an ambulance as they treat patients alongside experienced paramedics.

Recruits can then progress to become an Emergency Medical Technician, which involves further classroom and practical training and is the foundation for the paramedic apprenticeship.

This route – from no medical experience to qualified paramedic – can take as little as four years.

Apprentice Jeilani Bakar said:

“I’m training on the job while learning and gaining qualifications. And once you get your foot in the door at London Ambulance Service, your career can just go up and up.”

Apprentice Erin Wilkinson said:

“I knew I didn’t wanted a job where I wasn’t stuck in an office but I didn’t know you could join without going to university so when I found out, I was very eager to apply.

Apprentice Javina Storrod said:

“We are very quickly out treating patients. So I’ve been called to cardiac arrests and I’ve helped deliver babies – things I never thought I would be doing.”

Earlier this year London Ambulance Service was ranked number five in the Government’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for 2024, making it the the leading NHS organisation in the country.

Damian McGuinness, Chief People Officer at London Ambulance Service, said:

“By investing in our apprenticeships we are able to train paramedics that better reflect this city we serve.

“We are providing jobs, opportunities and careers where they are needed.

“This is building a loyal, resilient and resourceful workforce that will allow us to provide the best care for our patients and help us continue to meet the challenges we face in the NHS.”