Apprenticeships allow 16+ year olds to start work and earn a wage, while learning new skills that lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships are designed with the help of employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes apprentices through the skills needed to do a job well. Most of an apprentice’s training takes place on the job but they will also have to complete off-the-job training within college by day release or over a number of days in a block. Health and Social Care apprentices work towards a work-based diploma qualification that serves as the required qualification for registration and regulatory requirements in the social care sector in England. Additionally, they will gain a nationally recognised certificate.

The Apprenticeship covers the following:

• Introduction to communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings
• Introduction to personal development in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings
• Introduction to equality and inclusion in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings
• Introduction to duty of care in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings
• Principles of safeguarding and protection in health and social care
• The role of the health and social care worker
• Implement person centred approaches
• Contribute to health and safety in health and social care
• Handle information in health and social care settings
• Optional units can include:
• Dementia awareness
• Understand equality, diversity and inclusion in dementia care
• Support participation in learning and development activities
• Provide support for leisure activities
• Support care plan activities
• Support individuals to eat and drink
• Contribute to supporting group care activities
• Support person-centred thinking and planning

Applicants should be 16 years or over. Ideally the candidates would have good levels of literacy and numeracy.

The diploma is assessed through work-based evidence compiled as a portfolio. The certificate is assessed on practical assignments, observation of practice and witness testimonies.

At the end of the programme apprentices will have achieved:

• Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care
• Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Health and Social Care
• Functional skills in Maths, English and ICT
• Employee Rights and Responsibilities
• Personal Learning and Thinking Skills

On completion of the Health and Social Care Apprenticeship at level 2 apprentices can go on to complete the Health and Social Care Advanced Apprenticeship at level 3.

Apprentices who have completed their training can work as support workers in social care settings, health care support workers in hospitals or perhaps go on to complete further training in a college or university.