Ban lifted on ambulance trust's apprentice schemes

An ambulance trust has been allowed to train apprentices after a three-year ban was lifted.

East of England Ambulance Service was placed in "special measures" in 2020 and later told it could no longer train and assess apprenticeships as a result.

However, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) removed the measures in 2024 after the trust's culture improved.

Anthony Kitchener, from the trust, said new apprentices could help to "fill the growing demand" in the region.

The service responds to emergencies in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.

It said being returned to the apprenticeship provider and assessment register would support career progression and help to develop a "highly skilled workforce".

The first cohort was due to start their training as apprentice emergency care assistants in April.

Mr Kitchener, the trust's deputy director for education, said it would restart a "much-needed" revenue stream.

"This commitment to apprenticeship excellence will help fill the growing demand for skilled professionals in emergency care," he added.

The trust had been on the National Recovery Support Programme for challenged providers and systems - formerly known as special measures - for almost four years.

However, it left the programme "with immediate effect" in January 2024.

Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk.