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A steering group led by ambulance services in England is conducting a review of the Level 4 Associate Ambulance Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard.
First introduced in 2017, the Standard, which is in use across both NHS and independent providers, is being updated to ensure that it remains fit for purpose for employers and learners and continues to meet the needs of patients and service users.
A 6-month employer-led review has seen English ambulance trusts, the Independent Ambulance Association, awarding organisations and Skills for Health, work in collaboration to refresh the structure and content of the apprenticeship in line with educational, operational and patient and service user requirements.
The steering group – also known as a ‘Trailblazer’ – have developed an outline draft of the new Standard and is now inviting stakeholders to submit their representations to a public consultation before the updated Standard is submitted to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) for approval.
“Apprenticeship Standards outline the high-level knowledge, skills and behaviours required to carry out a defined occupation or set of occupations. What it is required of a person to carry out a role successfully changes over time, and so this review aims to update the Level 4 Associate Ambulance Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard against the backdrop of dynamic service demands and to meet the needs of different employers.
“This consultation therefore provides a unique opportunity for the relevant stakeholders to feedback on this Standard, underpinning the development of a key role within the urgent and emergency care workforce in England.”
Carol Offer, Assistant Director of Workforce & Organisational Development with North West Ambulance Service.
The Level 4 Apprenticeship is a key entry point into the ambulance service as part of an ambulance crew and further offers the opportunity to progress into the role of paramedic.
Feedback submitted to the consultation will be reviewed by the Trailblazer and reflected where necessary to the draft Standard.
Stakeholders are invited to provide their submissions via Healthcare Apprenticeships Standards website before Friday 14 February 2025.
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