‘Inspirational’ apprenticeship manager wins Mayor of London award for breaking down barriers for local communities

An apprenticeship manager at London Ambulance Service has won a prestigious Mayor of London award for developing accessible apprenticeship programmes for people in the capital.

Darren Avery received the Inspirational Professional in Adult Education Award at an awards ceremony at City Hall in Newham last week (Thursday 13 November).

The ‘Our LAS Inclusive Response programme’ helps Londoners in diverse circumstances develop the skills needed to become a paramedic. The programme also plays a vital role in ensuring that the Service better reflects the communities it serves across London.

Darren Avery, Strategic Workforce Development Manager, said: “I’m absolutely honoured to receive this award from the Mayor. My passion is developing Londoners from diverse backgrounds so they can become the paramedics of the future.

“My proudest moment is seeing someone who was unemployed get offered a role at London Ambulance and watching them succeed. Seeing an apprentice leave our education centre in their green uniform and epaulettes ready to care for Londoners is something I never forget.”

The Mayor of London Inspirational Professional in Adult Education Award is for someone who has gone above and beyond to provide a positive impact on the success of learners or enabled training providers to deliver transformational, high-quality education.

Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, Howard Dawber, said: “The Mayor and I are committed to ensuring that all Londoners can access good quality jobs and fulfilling careers. Good skills provision is a crucial part of delivering this ambition.

“The Inclusive Talent Strategy for London published by the Mayor and London Councils last month sets out our plan to put employers at the heart of the skills system.

“Darren’s well-deserved award is a shining example of how good employers can deliver real benefits not just to staff and learners but also to Londoners, who are benefitting from the best support possible from London Ambulance Service when they need it the most.

“This is how we build a better, fairer, and more prosperous London for everyone.”

Over 2,500 apprentices have joined London Ambulance Service, with a significant number from underrepresented communities, including those from minority ethnic backgrounds, care leavers and disabled people.

Simon Steward, Chief People Officer at London Ambulance Service, added: “Darren has worked incredibly hard to make healthcare careers accessible to everyone, especially to those who previously felt that they haven’t been represented in the ambulance service.

“Darren has dedicated himself to building inclusive, structured pathways into the ambulance service, programmes that remove barriers and support adults at all stages of life.

“Whether someone is returning to work, switching roles, or overcoming challenges to climbing the career ladder, Darren’s focus is on creating opportunities that lead to unlocking the potential for our communities.”

London Ambulance Service has trained over 350 paramedics through apprenticeships and boasts a 90% completion rate, with most achieving distinctions.

LAS now has no unfilled frontline roles, minimal staff turnover in key teams, and no reliance on agency or overseas recruitment – ensuring Londoners have access to a stable, skilled and diverse emergency workforce that truly reflects the community it serves.

The Service was recently ranked as the top NHS organisation for apprenticeships by The Times.

If you’re interested in joining our apprenticeship programme please contact: [email protected]

For more information on the different apprenticeship opportunities visit our website here. You can also find out more about Paramedic Science degrees here.