Apprentices play an important role at EMAS. We currently employ a number of apprentices in a variety of roles and we consider them to be a vital part of our services.

EMAS' apprenticeship programmes offer aspiring individuals of all ages the opportunity to pursue a career in the ambulance service and gain a nationally-recognised qualification.

We recruit apprentices on a fixed term, need-by-need basis, as these vacancies arise, in partnership with apprenticeship providers. Positions are advertised via Trac.

Please note: We do not offer these apprenticeships for clinical positions in our accident and emergency and non-emergency patient transport teams.

You can start an apprenticeship if you are: 

  • aged 16 or over - there’s no upper age limit
  • not currently enrolled in education (full or part-time).

You can have previous qualifications (like a degree) before starting an apprenticeship, as long as it is not in the same subject at the same level or lower.

  • Receive a salary while you learn with a team of experts.
  • Gain hands-on experience
  • Can lead to diverse options for career progression
  • Learn about the NHS and social care systems
  • Enjoy student and NHS discounts.

 

“Having worked for EMAS as an Ambulance Technician for a number of years already, the apprenticeship route to obtaining a Paramedic qualification was perfect. I was able to earn while I studied and continue to develop with the people I know and have worked with for many years. I had previously finished an unrelated degree via the traditional route; in comparison, my apprenticeship at EMAS gave me invaluable industry experience alongside the academic learning, something which is vital in this role. I’m now the owner of a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours which has opened many doors for my future with the ambulance service.”

Jenna Clarkson - Qualified Paramedic
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Award-winning apprenticeships

EMAS was awarded the Apprentice Employer of the Year (Large Enterprise) Award by Nottingham Trent University in 2023.

The award was presented in recognition of EMAS' work to support and promote apprenticeships within our service, including the Paramedic Apprenticeship route (which supports career progression of ambulance technicians to paramedics), and the level 7 Senior Leaders Apprenticeship programme.

EMAS celebrates all of their apprentices each year during National Apprenticeships Week.

Support

Nikki Penk, Head of Cleaning Services at EMAS, gives her top tips to anyone considering an apprenticeship.

"My advice to anyone starting an apprenticeship is to take some time to scope out the course and think about what's happening within your organisation. You can use that to focus your learning.

Get to know your areas of weakness. Speak openly with your mentors, line manager, and colleagues about how you can bridge some of those gaps.

It's challenging to fit in studying while you are learning. But always reach out to the people around you. EMAS have been so supportive to me.

This is a fantastic opportunity to study whilst working. The feeling of walking away with the qualification at the end is going to far outweigh any challenges faced along the way."

Head of Cleaning Services, Nikki Penk, reflects on her apprenticeship journey