APPRENTICESHIPS which see trainee ambulance workers hone their skills across the district have been given a healthy rating by Government inspectors.

Ofsted has graded Yorkshire Ambulance Service's apprenticeship provision as good, with outstanding features.

During the inspection – carried out over several days in June – the team visited learning sessions, scrutinised apprentices' work, gained their feedback and the views of staff and stakeholders, and examined the ambulance trust's documentation and records.

The trust – whose ambulance stations include the site in Hard Ings Road, Keighley – currently has 587 apprentices, in both clinical and corporate services roles, which equates to nine per cent of the total workforce.

Roles scrutinised by the six-strong inspection team included clinical ambulance support worker, incorporating advanced and emergency driving, and associate ambulance practitioner.

Minimum year-long clinical apprenticeships include supervision, six weeks' classroom training, four weeks of 'blue light' driving tuition and operational support.

In its report, just published, Ofsted rates overall effectiveness, apprenticeships, quality of education, and leadership and management as good.

'Outstanding' gradings were awarded in the categories for personal development and behaviour and attitudes, and safeguarding is effective.

A trust spokesperson says: "The Ofsted inspectors were impressed by the behaviour of the apprentices, their extremely positive attitudes to learning and the way in which they support and constructively challenge each other to develop their skills.

"The inspection team recognised the expertise of our educators, the well-planned curriculum and quality of assessments. Learner support was deemed strong, with educators building the confidence and resilience of apprentices very effectively.

"Areas identified for improvement are already part of an ongoing quality improvement plan being implemented by the trust."

Suggested improvements include ensuring that apprentices who are not making sufficient progress receive appropriate support to help them catch up rapidly.

Dawn Adams, interim associate director of education and organisational development with Yorkshire Ambulance Service, says: "I am exceptionally proud of our apprenticeship provision.

"Our achievement rates are strong, and distinction rates excellent.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our apprentices for their hard work and determination to succeed, and to thank all those who support our apprentices – it really does make a difference."

Yorkshire Ambulance Service was recently listed at number 36 in a top 100 of apprenticeship employers, in a table produced annually by the Department for Education.

For further information about the range of apprenticeships on offer, visit yas.nhs.uk/join-our-team/apprenticeships.