Health & Social Care
What does a career in Health & Social Care involve?
This Apprenticeship covers a wide range of job roles in the health care and social care fields. The NHS, private sector, local authorities and the armed forces all employ apprentices.
As an apprentice in Health Care, you could work in hospitals, the community, doctors’ surgeries, hospices, private clinics or opticians. You could be supporting doctors or nurses in clinical roles or helping patients in hospital wards or their homes – serving food, making and changing beds and so on. There are 21 separate qualifications available within the Health Care Apprenticeship ranging from maternity to radiotherapy support.
Social care is about helping people with a particular need, such as the disabled or the elderly. This type of care usually takes place in the home or in care homes, and can include anything from helping people get dressed to transporting them to and from a residential home. As an apprentice in Social Care, you could be a personal care assistant helping someone in their everyday life.
Completion of the Advanced Apprenticeship will stand you in good stead for progression onto Higher Education in subjects like nursing or midwifery and operating department practitioner roles in the care sector or management roles in Care homes.
What type of Job Role can this lead to?
Level 2 (Apprenticeship)
- Care Worker
- Day Care Assistant
- Healthcare Assistant
- Healthcare Support Worker
- Home Care Assistant
- Medical Assistant (Armed Forces only)
- Nursing Assistant
- Support Services
Level 3 (Advanced Apprenticeship)
- Care Manager
- Day Care Manager
- Dietetic Assistant
- Senior Healthcare Assistant
- Occupational or Physiotherapy Therapy Assistant
- Radiotherapy Assistant
- Senior Support Worker
(Source: www.apprenticeships.org.uk)
What do I need to start?
1. Previous qualifications/training
No previous qualifications required, however you will be required to take a Key Skills initial assessment based on literacy and numeracy and attend a college interview.
2. A Job
You will need to have a Health & Social Care related job and be employed for a minimum of 16.5 hours every week.
What will I get out of it?
1. Earnings
The National Minimum Wage for Apprentices is £2.50 per hour, however research has found that Apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week. Research also shows that Apprentices earn, on average, over £100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees.
The starting salary (once qualified) is £12,000 - £16,000.
(Source: www.apprenticeships.org.uk)
2. Qualifications
When you have successfully completed your apprenticeship you will gain:
- Certificate in Health and Social Care
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 Health and Social Care
- Key Skills in Communication and Numeracy
3. Prospects
Apprenticeships train you in the skills employers want, they give you choices in your career. When you’ve finished you can carry on working, maybe get promoted or go on to higher education in a college or university.
How much does an Apprenticeship cost?
The government cover the full cost of training for 16-18 year olds and contribute towards costs for those aged 19 or above.
How do I apply?
Not sure if an Apprenticeship is right for you?
Call Employer Services on 01902 317691 for more information or to book an appointment with a Careers Advisor