THE next generation of life-saving paramedics have began a new in-house apprenticeship course at North East Ambulance Service (NEAS).

Run in partnership with Teesside University, the new three-year BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice degree apprenticeship programme, which is open to internal applicants only, was overwhelmed with applicants to the first cohort – with more than 200 applications for 20 places.

The first cohort entered the classroom this week and will now undertake eight weeks of classroom training before starting their first run of frontline shifts.

Helen Ray, NEAS Chief Executive, said: “Working at North East Ambulance Service is more than just a job; we strive to offer a career for life.

“Although we have been up to full establishment for paramedics for more than 18 months now, it’s vital that we’re able to sustain a healthy pipeline of paramedics into the future, as well as being able to offer opportunities for our employees to develop.

“This new course allows us invest and develop our workforce by enabling them to progress their careers without the need to leave the Trust, whilst growing our own paramedics through a regular intake, on top of the graduate paramedics we already accept from our successful partnership with Teesside University and the University of Sunderland.

“I wish them every success and look forward to seeing them out on the road in their new epaulettes soon.”