The government has named an ambulance service as one of the country’s top apprenticeship employers for the third year running.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is one of only four NHS organisations to make it into this year’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.

It is the only ambulance trust to be recognised for three successive years.

The Trust also holds a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating for apprenticeship training and education.

Employers are ranked not just on the number of apprentices they take on, but also on their commitment to creating new apprenticeships, the diversity of their apprentices, and the number of apprentices who successfully achieve their apprenticeships.

Currently, 357 apprentices are employed at NEAS, working in various roles.

All apprenticeship courses offered through NEAS currently have a 100 per cent pass rate, with a 34 per cent distinction rate.

Karen Gardner, assistant director of people development, said: "To be recognised in three successive years in the Top 100 nationally is a fantastic achievement and something I am really proud of.

"It is testament to the efforts of our teams behind the scenes."

Backworth-based paramedic apprentice, Catherine Fish, said: "The journey is challenging, but the rewards are so worth it.

"You will never regret taking the leap."