Claus Madsen joined Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) in 2016 after having worked in private and public sector senior roles in Denmark.

To address the challenges of recruitment and retention of Paramedics, YAS embarked on a journey to develop a solid clinical career pathway as a talent pipeline for staff to develop from entry level through to becoming Paramedics.

YAS developed a strategic approach to utilising apprenticeships and maximising the levy funds, and engaged in national trailblazers developing 3 different apprenticeships for their Clinical Career Pathway. Staff can join as an Emergency Care Assistant doing the level 3 Ambulance Support Worker (ASW) apprenticeship, then apply for the level 4 Associate Ambulance Practitioner apprenticeship, and progress onto the level 6 Paramedic degree apprenticeship – all through a supported ‘earn as you learn’ apprenticeship route. YAS won GOLD – Apprenticeship Programme of the Year – at LPI’s prestigious Learning Awards 2021 with the ASW programme.