“Life changing” training praised by Ofsted as London Ambulance Service ranks in UK top 10

Ofsted has praised London Ambulance Service apprenticeships as offering “life‑changing” opportunities.

Following a recent inspection of the Service’s education centres, the new report highlights how London Ambulance is developing confident, highly skilled clinicians ready to deliver high-quality patient care.

Inspectors recognised the Service’s high achievement rates and how apprentices develop strong clinical skills and professional behaviours. All areas were rated as being delivered at ‘strong’ and ‘expected’ standard.

Apprentices were praised for remaining calm under pressure and carrying out complex procedures safely in emergency situations.

Chief Paramedic Pauline Cranmer said: “This is a fantastic result that demonstrates the hard work and experience of staff, and shows the quality of education we can offer to apprentices. We’re very proud to train the next generation of life-saving paramedics.

“Our apprenticeship programmes provide life-changing opportunities for people to access professional, highly skilled careers in healthcare, often without needing a traditional university route.

“The Ofsted report reflects the dedication of our educators, mentors and apprentices, and highlights the important role apprenticeships play in helping us develop a skilled workforce that reflects the communities we serve and continues to provide outstanding care for patients.”

The recognition comes alongside national acclaim, with London Ambulance Service once again named in the top 10 of the Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for 2026.

London Ambulance Service is the highest-ranking NHS organisation in the prestigious list. It is placed alongside some of the country’s largest employers, including the armed forces. It is the top employer in the country for diversity.

Apprentices at the Service train in fast‑paced, real‑world conditions, quickly putting classroom learning into practice as part of ambulance crews responding to patients across the capital.

London Ambulance Service has 700 apprentices, making it one of the largest apprenticeship programmes in the NHS. Most join as Assistant Ambulance Practitioners – a role that requires no previous medical experience.

This was the route Caroline Herbert took when she became an apprentice with London Ambulance Service at 46. Four years later she qualified as a paramedic.

She said: “With family and financial responsibilities, a direct university degree just wasn’t a possibility.

“The apprenticeship degree enabled me to work, provide for my family and gain a qualification at the same time.

“The skills and knowledge gained in the classroom were embedded during my shifts on the ambulance, enabling me to be a better clinician and more confident once I qualified.

“It gave me the opportunity to gain experience and build strong foundations at a pace that was right for me.”

Apprenticeships manager Darren Avery said: “Apprenticeships open doors for people from all backgrounds, giving them the opportunity to develop new skills, build rewarding careers and make a real difference to the lives of Londoners.

“We are proud that our apprenticeship programmes continue to attract talented people who may not have considered a career in healthcare before. Their contribution is vital to the future of our organisation and to the care we provide every day.”

More information about apprenticeship opportunities can be found on the London Ambulance Service website.

The full Ofsted report can be found here.