EDUCATION / Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are an excellent way to progress your career and continue to earn and develop.
There are already lots of apprenticeship opportunities in health and social care and more are becoming available.
They allow you to combine work and study by mixing on-the-job training with classroom learning. You will be employed to do a real job while studying for a formal qualification, usually for one day a week either at a college or a training centre. By the end of your apprenticeship, you will have gained the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your chosen role and move along your career pathway, possibly onto the next apprenticeship level.
What you will learn depends on the role that you are training for.
For example, you could be an apprentice care assistant or healthcare assistant, nursing associate or registered nurse. There will be more apprenticeships for other roles in the future. Apprentices in every role follow an approved study programme, which means you’ll gain a nationally-recognised qualification at the end of your apprenticeship that you can use with any employer in the future.
As an apprentice you can expect to:
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- earn a wage and get holiday pay
- get time for study at college related to your role (usually one day a week)
- for higher level apprenticeships your study is often integrated into your job role.
Entry Requirements
You will usually need:
- For an advance apprenticeship 5 GCSEs at grades 9 – 4 (A-C), including English and Maths
- For an intermediate apprenticeship GCSE English and Maths at grades 9 – 4 (A-C) as a minimum
How long does an apprenticeship last?
Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level (apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to completion of their course).
Model of Delivery
Your apprenticeship programme is designed to fit your specific role and learning style. Here’s what you can expect:
Workshops
Gain knowledge and practical skills in core areas through engaging half-day sessions within your workplace. Learn alongside colleagues and share best practices for a richer learning experience.
Personalised Support
Receive one-on-one tutorials tailored to your individual needs. Planning your development track and assess your skills through workplace observations.
E-Learning
Enhance your knowledge and skills with online learning modules. They’ll also help you build a portfolio showcasing your accomplishments throughout the programme.
Day Release or Block Learning Time at College or University
Go deeper into industry knowledge and hone your skills with dedicated block release or day release sessions at a college or university (depending on your programme).
Apprenticeship Levels
The different apprenticeship standards have equivalent educational levels.
With over 350 diverse roles, health and care offers a vast range of apprenticeship opportunities. Explore both clinical and non-clinical paths, like the ones listed below on our Explore Careers pages.
| Name | Level | Equivalent to | Example apprenticeships |
| Intermediate | 2 | GCSE | Adult Care Worker Healthcare Support Worker Business Analyst Data Administrator Accounts Assistant Plumber Ward Clerk |
| Advanced | 3 | A level | Lead Adult Care Worker Ambulance Support Worker Dental Nurse Senior Healthcare Support Worker Clinical Engineer Chef Medical Secretary |
| Higher | 4, 5 | Foundation degree and above | Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Associate Ambulance Practitioner Mammography Associate Oral Health Practitioner Leader in Adult Care Assistant Practitioner Nursing Associate Rehabilitation Worker Office Manager Personal Assistant |
| Degree | 6, 7 | Bachelor’s or master’s degree | Midwife Nursing Occupational Therapist Operating Department Practitioner Social worker Physiotherapist Chartered manager HR Consultant |
You can find out more about apprenticeships at:
Primary Care Apprenticeships
Primary Care Apprenticeships – HASO (skillsforhealth.org.uk)
GOV.UK
Step into the NHS
Social Care Apprenticeships
Transferrable Skills
This transferable skills resource aims to support job seekers and those considering a career in health and social care. Everyone has transferable Skills, see where yours can take you in a career in health and social care!
See where yours can take you!
