WMAS celebrates 16 years of apprenticeship development

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is marking 16 years of apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting the role vocational routes continue to play in building and sustaining the Trust’s workforce.

Since apprenticeships were first introduced at WMAS, more than 1,850 apprentices have progressed through programmes at the Trust, with many going on to secure long-term employment.

WMAS was one of the first ambulance trusts to be approved as an Apprenticeship Main Training Provider by the Education and Skills Funding Agency for higher-level apprenticeships. Today, the Trust is recognised as one of the most productive organisations in the West Midlands and within the ambulance sector for staff development through apprenticeship standards. It also delivers the largest provision of student paramedic registered apprentices in the region.

The Trust currently offers 11 apprenticeship programmes, working in partnership with six universities and eight apprenticeship training providers and colleges to support staff development and progression. Programmes span levels 2 through to 7, providing multiple entry points for both new starters and existing staff seeking to advance their careers.

WMAS introduced its first apprenticeship in 2010, launching the Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship, which remains in place today. Two years later, the Trust expanded its offer with the introduction of the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service apprenticeship scheme, recruiting around 500 apprentices over the past 13 years.

Alongside delivery, WMAS is playing a leading role at a national level, contributing to the development of apprenticeship legislation and ensuring education standards align with the evolving needs of the ambulance sector. This year, the Trust has also been invited by Ofsted to take part in a pilot for its new education inspection framework.

Looking ahead, WMAS has commenced planning submissions to the Office for Students, supporting the continued development of its higher education apprenticeship provision in Paramedic Sciences.

Director of People, Carla Beechey said: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in building our future workforce. I’d like to thank everyone involved in supporting our apprenticeship programmes and helping our staff to grow, develop and succeed.

“Our workforce should reflect the communities we serve, and apprenticeships offer a valuable route for local people to join the Trust and gain skills that will last a lifetime.”

Recruitment Manager, Louise Jones added: “We’re delighted to be marking National Apprenticeship Week and shining a spotlight on the apprenticeships we have available.

“There’s a common misconception that we only recruit Paramedics, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We offer a diverse range of apprenticeship opportunities, from Student Paramedic training and Motor Vehicle apprenticeships to Business Administration and many more.”

Further information on current roles and apprenticeships is available via www.jobs.nhs.uk, by searching for West Midlands Ambulance Service.

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