Care services
Care Service apprenticeships help you develop the skills needed to support people in social care settings including children, young people, adults, people with disabilities or individuals with mental health needs.
Typical workplaces include care homes, residential settings, supporting living services and people's own homes.
Hear from some of our adult care apprentices and staff in this short film:
Find out about the different care apprenticeships available with us using the drop down buttons below. These include information on entry requirements, course content and next steps.
Who is this Apprenticeship for?
This programme is designed for:
- Individuals starting a career in adult social care as frontline care staff
- Care assistants, support workers, or personal assistants seeing to build core knowledge, skills and behaviours in providing high-quality care
- Those working in roles that involve supporting adults with personal care, daily living activities and emotional or social needs
- Individuals committed to helping people achieve their personal goals, maintain independence and live safely with dignity through person-centred care
This apprenticeship is suitable across a wide range of adult care settings, including residential and nursing homes, domiciliary care, day services, clinical healthcare environments, and individuals’ own homes, where care workers provide practical, emotional and social support tailored to individual needs.
Are there any entry requirements?
For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 1/G or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.
For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 1/G or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.
Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.
What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?
The course curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours aligned with the needs of local and regional employers. It supports your achievement of relevant qualifications and prepares you for success in your chosen field.
The curriculum is thoughtfully structured and sequenced to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you acquire the new skills required to go further in your career, further training, education, or employment. It is also flexible and responsive, allowing for personalisation based on individual needs and current challenges in your role, which can be explored during workshop sessions.
As an apprentice, you will be expected to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence by the end of your training programme, showing how your learning contributes to the demands of the local, regional, and national economy.
What will the Apprenticeship cover?
Knowledge Areas
- Standards and Legal Responsibilities: Policies, legislation, duty of care and professional conduct
- Safeguarding: Recognising, preventing and reporting abuse or neglect
- Equality and Person-Centred Care: Supporting dignity, rights, inclusion and individual choice
- Risk and Safe Practice: Managing risk, following safe procedures and medication awareness
- Communication: Effective, adaptable communication and information sharing
- Health and Wellbeing: Understanding needs, monitoring changes and supporting capacity
- Professional Development and Practice: Continuous learning, digital skills, data security and sustainability
Skills Development
- Professional and Safe Practice: Apply policies, procedures, legislation, and duty of care to work safely and professionally
- Safeguarding and Protection: Identify, prevent, and respond to risks, concerns, and safeguarding issues to keep people safe
- Person-Centred and Inclusive Care: Build positive relationships and deliver care that respects rights, choice, dignity, and diversity
- Risk Management and Positive Support: Support positive risk-taking, contribute to risk assessments, and use proactive approaches to prevent or manage conflict
- Communication and Decision Support: Use adaptable communication methods and provide information to support informed choices, including where capacity varies
- Monitoring Health and Wellbeing: Recognise and respond to changes in physical or mental health, record accurately, and report concerns appropriately
- Professional Development and Digital Practice: Maintain accurate records, use digital systems safely, develop resilience, and engage in continuous learning and reflective practice.
Behaviours Expected
- Professional and Person-Centred Practice: Act ethically, professionally, and in a person-centred way
- Relationships and Teamworking: Build and maintain positive relationships with individuals, families, and colleagues
- Organisation and Responsibility: Work in an organised way and take responsibility for completing tasks effectively
- Personal Development and Resilience: Continuously develop skills, wellbeing, and performance
Additional Qualifications
- Complete the Ofqual regulated Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate
Course Delivery
This apprenticeship combines online learning with hands-on experience in the workplace. You’ll receive regular support from your tutor through scheduled meetings at your place of work, or remotely, ensuring your progress is closely guided and aligned with the apprenticeship requirements. Additionally, you may be invited to attend support sessions at our training centre located at The Skills Centre (DL1 1NL) to further enhance your learning.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will serve as a foundation for applying new knowledge and developing practical skills in real care environments. Throughout the programme, your tutor will work with you to ensure your learning journey is tailored to your role and supports your achievement of the Adult Care Worker standard.
The programme typically takes 12 to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.
Apprenticeship Assessment
Apprentices are not required to undertake any additional assessments.
Progression routes
Apprentices can progress to:
Roles such as:
- Senior Care Worker
- Lead Adult Care Worker
- Healthcare Assistant
Higher-level qualifications:
- Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship
- Nursing Associate or Social Work Degree Apprenticeship
Professional recognition with organisations such as Skills for Care
What do I do next?
Or you can:
Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.
If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us
Who is this Apprenticeship for?
This programme is designed for:
- People moving up in adult social care
- Experienced care staff wanting a formal qualification
- Workers in residential, domiciliary, day centres, or clinical support roles
- Those keen to lead and support others with dignity and independence
This apprenticeship is suitable across a wide range of adult care settings, including local authority services, private care providers, NHS trusts, and voluntary sector organisations.
Are there any entry requirements?
For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 4/C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.
For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.
Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.
What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?
The course curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours aligned with the needs of local and regional employers. It supports your achievement of relevant qualifications and prepares you for success in your chosen field.
The curriculum is thoughtfully structured and sequenced to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you acquire the new skills required to go further in your career, further training, education, or employment. It is also flexible and responsive, allowing for personalisation based on individual needs and current challenges in your role, which can be explored during workshop sessions.
As an apprentice, you will be expected to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence by the end of your training programme, showing how your learning contributes to the demands of the local, regional, and national economy.
What will the Apprenticeship cover?
Knowledge Areas
- Care Leadership: Supervising care delivery, supporting autonomy, and ensuring quality standards
- Health and Wellbeing: Promoting safety, infection control, nutrition, and emotional support
- Safeguarding: Recognising abuse, whistleblowing, and resolving dilemmas between rights and safety
- Communication: Leading effective verbal and non-verbal communication, handling barriers, and maintaining confidentiality
- Equality and Inclusion: Championing dignity, diversity, and inclusive practices
- Professional Practice: Understanding roles, boundaries, and working with other professionals
- Development and Resilience: Reflecting on practice, managing stress, and supporting others’ growth
Skills Development
- Lead care delivery: Guide others in supporting individuals according to care plans
- Mentor and supervise: Support colleagues’ development and uphold standards
- Safeguard effectively: Respond to concerns, lead safe practices, and work with external agencies
- Encourage wellbeing: Encourage healthy living, manage risks, and respond to health changes
- Communicate clearly: Use preferred methods, reduce barriers, and ensure accurate records
- Work professionally: Build partnerships, maintain boundaries, and improve through feedback
Behaviours Expected
- Care: Making a consistent, positive impact
- Compassion: Acting with kindness and empathy
- Courage: Speaking up and doing what’s right
- Communication: Building strong relationships and teams
- Competence: Applying skills to provide high-quality care
- Commitment: Driving person-centred improvements
Additional Qualifications
- Complete the 15 standards of the Care Certificate
- The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care will be delivered as part of this apprenticeship and must be successfully completed during the programme, unless the apprentice has already achieved it prior to enrolment
End Point Assessment
This is the final assessment and includes a:
- Apprentice Showcase (Portfolio)
- Professional Discussion
- Situational Judgement Test
Progression Routes
Apprentices can continue to:
Roles such as:
- Care Worker
- Care Supervisor
- Relief Team Leader
- Outreach Development Worker
- Social Services Officer
- Family Support Worker
Higher-level qualifications:
- Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Level 4 Apprenticeship
- Leader in Adult Care Level 5 Apprenticeship
Pursue diplomas or foundation degrees in health and social care, or work toward registration with professional bodies where applicable.
When and where will I learn?
This apprenticeship combines online learning with hands-on experience in the workplace. You’ll receive regular support from your tutor through scheduled meetings at your place of work, or remotely, ensuring your progression is closely guided and aligned with the apprenticeship requirements. Additionally, you may be invited to attend support sessions at our training centre located at The Skills Centre (DL1 1NL) to further enhance your learning.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will serve as a foundation for applying new knowledge and developing practical skills in real care environments. Throughout the programme, your tutor will work with you to ensure your learning journey is tailored to your role and supports your achievement of the Lead Adult Care Worker standard.
The programme typically takes 18 months to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.
What do I do next?
Or you can:
Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.
If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us
Who is this Apprenticeship for?
This programme is designed for:
- School or college leavers who want to start a career in healthcare and enjoy providing hands-on support to patients
- Individuals seeking to develop practical skills in areas such as personal care, health monitoring, and assisting clinical staff
- New or existing employees working in hospitals, GP practices, community health services, or residential care settings
Are there any entry requirements?
For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 1/G or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.
For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 1/G or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.
Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.
What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?
The course curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours aligned with the needs of local and regional employers. It supports your achievement of relevant qualifications and prepares you for success in your chosen field.
The curriculum is thoughtfully structured and sequenced to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you acquire the new skills required to further your career, further training, education, or employment. It is also flexible and responsive, allowing for personalisation based on individual needs and current challenges in your role, which can be explored during workshop sessions.
As an apprentice, you will be expected to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence by the end of your training programme, showing how your learning contributes to the demands of the local, regional, and national economy.
What will the Apprenticeship cover?
The Healthcare Support Worker L2 Apprenticeship will cover:
Knowledge Areas
- Care Principles: Legislation, duty of care, safeguarding, person-centred approaches, and codes of conduct
- Health & Wellbeing: Recognising pain, distress, changes in health, supporting nutrition, hydration, and daily living activities
- Communication: Effective techniques for clear understanding, including for individuals with specific needs
- Professional Boundaries: Scope of practice, limitations, when to seek support, and confidentiality
- Safety & Infection Control: Hygiene, PPE, safe moving and handling, risk management, and disposal of hazardous materials
- Information & Systems: Secure recording, IT systems, managing appointments, supplies, and signposting services
- Personal Development & Quality: Reflective practice, CPD, Care Certificate, quality improvement, and sourcing evidence
Skills Development
- Care Delivery: Work within legislation, policies, codes of conduct, and scope of practice while providing safe, person-centred care
- Health & Wellbeing: Recognise and respond to pain, distress, changes in health; support nutrition, hydration, and daily living activities
- Clinical Support: Perform basic life support, take physiological measurements, and assist with prescribed medication
- Communication: Use effective techniques to help understanding, respond to mental capacity limitations, and support referrals
- Safety & Infection Control: Maintain a safe environment, apply hygiene and PPE practices, handle equipment safely, and manage risks
- Information & Confidentiality: Record, store, and share information securely in line with policy, using technology appropriately
- Personal Development & Improvement: Engage in training, appraisal, reflective practice, and contribute to quality improvement activities
End Point Assessment
This is the final assessment and includes a:
- Practical observation with questioning
- Professional discussion (based on a portfolio of evidence)
Progression Routes
Roles such as:
- Senior Healthcare Support Worker
- Nursing Assistant
- Maternity Support Worker
- Mental Health Support Worker
Higher-level qualifications:
- Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship
- Nursing Associate Level 5 Apprenticeship
Professional recognition with organisations such as:
- Skills for Health
- Nursing & Midwifery Council
Where and when will I learn?
This apprenticeship combines online learning with hands-on experience in the workplace. You’ll receive regular support from your tutor through scheduled meetings at your place of work, or remotely, ensuring your progression is closely guided and aligned with the apprenticeship requirements. Additionally, you may be invited to attend support sessions at our training centre located at Lingfield Way (DL1 4QZ) to further enhance your learning.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will serve as a foundation for applying new knowledge and developing practical skills in real care environments. Throughout the programme, your tutor will work with you to ensure your learning journey is tailored to your role and supports your achievement of the Healthcare Support Worker standard.
The programme typically takes 8 months to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.
What do I do next?
Or you can:
Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.
If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us
Who is this Apprenticeship for?
This programme is designed for:
- Individuals seeking to develop practical skills in areas such as personal care, health monitoring, and assisting clinical staff
- Those who have completed a care sector apprenticeship and want to continue into healthcare roles
- New or existing employees working in hospitals, GP practices, community health services, or residential care settings
Are there any entry requirements?
For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 4/C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.
For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.
Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.
What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?
The course curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours aligned with the needs of local and regional employers. It supports your achievement of relevant qualifications and prepares you for success in your chosen field.
The curriculum is thoughtfully structured and sequenced to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you acquire the new skills required to further your career, further training, education, or employment. It is also flexible and responsive, allowing for personalisation based on individual needs and current challenges in your role, which can be explored during workshop sessions.
As an apprentice, you will be expected to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence by the end of your training programme, showing how your learning contributes to the demands of the local, regional, and national economy.
What will the Apprenticeship cover?
A specialist job role must be chosen from Adult Nursing Support Worker, Mental Health Support Worker, Allied Health Professions (Therapy Support Worker) or Children and Young People Support Worker.
Knowledge Areas
- Professional Standards: Know your role, responsibilities, legal frameworks, and how to handle information and resources safely
- Person-Centred Care: Support individuals with dignity, respecting their rights, choices, and diverse needs
- Health and Wellbeing: Encourage healthy lifestyles, understand public health priorities, and refer to support services
- Safety and Safeguarding: Recognise and respond to risks, abuse, and incidents while following safe working practices
- Clinical Awareness: Monitor health changes, support nutrition and hygiene, and use tools to assess wellbeing
- Communication: Communicate clearly and adapt to individual needs, managing conflict professionally
- Leadership and Development: Reflect, grow professionally, and understand leadership, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice
- Additional knowledge will be determined by which occupational option is chosen
Skills Development
- Professional Practice: Work safely and legally within your role, following policies, codes of conduct, and knowing when to escalate concerns
- Person-Centred Support: Provide non-discriminatory, person-centred care with consent, promoting wellbeing and informed lifestyle choices
- Health and Safety: Maintain a safe environment through infection control, safe handling, risk management, and safeguarding practices
- Clinical Care: Monitor health, respond to changes, support nutrition and hydration, and carry out physiological measurements
- Communication: Communicate clearly with individuals and teams, adapting to needs and managing conflict effectively
- Development and Leadership: Reflect on practice, engage in training, support others, and demonstrate leadership within your role
- Information and Quality: Handle information securely, maintain confidentiality, and contribute to quality improvement using evidence-based approaches
- Development & Improvement: Engage in supervision, training, reflective practice, and contribute to quality improvement using evidence-based approaches
- Additional skills will be determined by which occupational option is chosen
Additional Qualification
- The Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support will be delivered as part of this apprenticeship and must be successfully completed during the programme, unless the apprentice has already achieved it prior to enrolment
End Point Assessment
This is the final assessment and includes a:
- Observation of practice, with questions
- Professional discussion (based on a portfolio of evidence)
Progression Routes
Roles such as:
- Assistant Practitioner
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Children’s Outpatient Support Worker
Higher-level qualifications:
- Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care
- Assistant Practitioner (Health) – Level 5
Professional recognition with organisations such as:
- Skills for Health
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
- Royal College of Nursing (RCN)
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Where and when will I learn?
This apprenticeship combines online learning with hands-on experience in the workplace. You’ll receive regular support from your tutor through scheduled meetings at your place of work, or remotely, ensuring your progression is closely guided and aligned with the apprenticeship requirements. Additionally, you may be invited to attend support sessions at our training centre located at Lingfield Way (DL1 4QZ) to further enhance your learning.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will serve as a foundation for applying new knowledge and developing practical skills in real care environments. Throughout the programme, your tutor will work with you to ensure your learning journey is tailored to your role and supports your achievement of the Senior Healthcare Support Worker standard.
The programme typically takes 24 months to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.
What do I do next?
Or you can:
Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.
If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us
Who is this Apprenticeship for?
This programme is designed for:
- New entrants to the early intervention field who want to develop practical and professional skills
- Existing professionals in early support roles, such as those working in family support, early help, school inclusion, reablement, violence prevention, social work assistance, and children’s centres
- Individuals working in community-based support, education, health, social care, youth justice, or housing services
- Those who want to work collaboratively with individuals, families, and multi-agency teams to prevent escalation to statutory services
Are there any entry requirements?
For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 4/C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.
For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.
Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.
What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?
The course curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours aligned with the needs of local and regional employers. It supports your achievement of relevant qualifications and prepares you for success in your chosen field.
The curriculum is thoughtfully structured and sequenced to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you acquire the new skills required to go further in your career, further training, education, or employment. It is also flexible and responsive, allowing for personalisation based on individual needs and current challenges in your role, which can be explored during workshop sessions.
As an apprentice, you will be expected to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence by the end of your training programme, showing how your learning contributes to the demands of the local, regional, and national economy.
What will the Apprenticeship cover?
Knowledge Areas
- Legal & Ethical: Safeguarding, laws, policies, ethics, and duty of candour
- Collaboration: Multi-agency working and information sharing
- Support & Wellbeing: Resilience, trauma-informed care, and person-centred approaches
- Assessment & Communication: Evaluating needs, using digital tools, and managing change
- Professional Practice: Coaching, conflict resolution, cultural awareness, inclusion, and accurate record keeping
Skills Development
- Assessment: Conduct risk and strength assessments
- Analysis: complex situations and develop action plans
- Intervention: Manage cases and provide direct interventions
- Communication: Communicate effectively with individuals and partner agencies
- Mentorship: Build and maintain relationships using coaching and mentoring
- Reflection: Reflect on and improve their own practice
- Documentation: Maintain accurate records
- Awareness: Consider environmental and contextual factors in interventions
Behaviours Expected
- Collaboration: Work effectively with individuals, networks, and partners for optimal outcomes
- Curiosity: Practice professional curiosity and explore varied approaches
- Adaptability: Stay flexible to meet changing needs
- Reflective Support: Be caring and reflective, supporting yourself and others
- Learning: Grow from successes and mistakes
- Inclusivity: Value differences and embrace diverse perspectives
End Point Assessment Methods
This is the final assessment and includes a:
- Apprentice Showcase (Portfolio)
- Professional Discussion
- Presentation with questions
Progression Routes
Apprentices can continue to:
Roles such as:
- Senior Early Intervention Practitioner
- Team Leader or Supervisor
- Service Coordinator
- Family Support Worker
Higher-level qualifications:
- Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services
- Foundation Degree in Social Care or Youth Work
- Level 5 Diploma in Counselling or Mental Health Practice
- Level 5 Apprenticeship: Assistant Practitioner in Healthcare
Where and when will I learn?
This apprenticeship combines online learning with hands-on experience in the workplace. You’ll receive regular support from your tutor through scheduled meetings at your place of work, or remotely, ensuring your progression is closely guided and aligned with the apprenticeship requirements. Additionally, you may be invited to attend support sessions at our training centre located at The Skills Centre (DL1 1NL) to further enhance your learning.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will serve as a foundation for applying new knowledge and developing practical skills in real care environments. Throughout the programme, your tutor will work with you to ensure your learning journey is tailored to your role and supports your achievement of the Early Intervention Practitioner standard.
The programme typically takes 18 months to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.
What do I do next?
Or you can:
Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.
If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us
Who is this Apprenticeship for?
This programme is designed for:
- Frontline practitioners supporting children, young people, and families with complex needs
- Mentors and role models in residential or community settings
- Specialists in safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and multi-agency work
- Professionals across education, health, social care, and voluntary sectors
Are there any entry requirements?
For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 4/C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.
For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.
Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.
What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?
The course curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours aligned with the needs of local and regional employers. It supports your achievement of relevant qualifications and prepares you for success in your chosen field.
The curriculum is thoughtfully structured and sequenced to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you acquire the new skills required to go further in your career, further training, education, or employment. It is also flexible and responsive, allowing for personalisation based on individual needs and current challenges in your role, which can be explored during workshop sessions.
As an apprentice, you will be expected to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence by the end of your training programme, showing how your learning contributes to the demands of the local, regional, and national economy.
What will the Apprenticeship cover?
Knowledge Areas
- Communication: Enables children, young people, and families to express themselves and be heard
- Safeguarding: Risks and procedures, including domestic violence, exploitation, online safety, and radicalisation
- Human Development: Understanding child, adolescent, and adult development, and assessing/responding to a range of needs
- Critical Decision-Making: Exercising professional judgement in complex and emotionally sensitive situations
- Inclusive Practice: Promoting equality, diversity, and cultural awareness in all aspects of support
- Collaborative Working: Building effective partnerships and shared goals across multi-agency teams
- Legislation and Compliance: Understanding the legal and regulatory frameworks governing residential care settings
- Group Dynamics and Care Planning: Managing relationships and developing tailored care plans for children in residential environments
Skills Development
- Effective Communication: Building trust and engagement
- Assessment and Planning: Identifying needs and creating tailored support plans
- Safeguarding: Recognising and responding to risks and concerns
- Intervention Delivery: Applying appropriate strategies to support positive outcomes
- Reflective Practice: Evaluating own performance and adapting approaches
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Working effectively with others
- Professional Boundaries: Maintaining ethical and respectful relationships
- Record Keeping and Reporting: Documenting interventions and outcomes accurately
Behaviours Expected
- Compassion: Caring and committed to making a difference
- Curiosity: Engaging respectfully and supportively
- Resilience: Staying calm and adaptable under pressure
- Integrity: Acting ethically and professionally
- Reflection: Learning from experience to improve practice
- Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with others
- Accountability: Owning decisions and actions
End Point Assessment Methods
This is the final assessment and includes a:
- Apprentice Showcase (Portfolio)
- Professional Discussion
- Observation of practice
Progression Routes
Apprentices can continue to:
Roles such as:
- Family Support Team Leader
- Early Help Coordinator
- Community Outreach Manager
- Safeguarding Officer
- Integrated Support Worker
- Trauma-Informed Practice Lead
- Specialist Intervention Practitioner
Higher-level qualifications:
- Level 5 Children, Young People and Families Manager Apprenticeship
- Level 5 Leader in Adult Care Apprenticeship
- Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Apprenticeship
Where and when will I learn?
This apprenticeship combines online learning with hands-on experience in the workplace. You’ll receive regular support from your tutor through scheduled meetings at your place of work, or remotely, ensuring your progression is closely guided and aligned with the apprenticeship requirements. Additionally, you may be invited to attend support sessions at our training centre located at The Skills Centre (DL1 1NL) to further enhance your learning.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will serve as a foundation for applying new knowledge and developing practical skills in real care environments. Throughout the programme, your tutor will work with you to ensure your learning journey is tailored to your role and supports your achievement of the CYPFP standard.
The programme typically takes 24 months to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.
What do I do next?
Or you can:
Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.
If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us