Apprentices in this role are integral team members, supporting therapists, nurses, doctors, midwives, and other healthcare professionals. They are tasked with essential clinical duties that range from monitoring vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, or weight, to assisting patients with fundamental needs such as eating, dressing, or personal hygiene. This apprenticeship is not just about providing care; it is about preparing patients for health activities and ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout their healthcare journey.

The Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship is designed for those with a passion for delivering high-quality and compassionate care within a healthcare setting. The Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship is meticulously crafted to dovetail with the Care Certificate standards, ensuring that apprentices not only meet but exceed the expected competencies. Apprentices will gain a profound understanding of patient care, fostering a supportive environment that contributes to positive patient outcomes.

How will I be assessed?

On programme

Throughout the qualification you will create an electronic portfolio of evidence, the evidence will be varied and will include assessments, reflective accounts, observations, work products etc. Your dedicated Skills Coach will assess submitted work and attach to relevant learning outcomes to claim competencies.

End Point Assessment (EPA)

Once the qualification is complete, you will then enter end point assessment – this is assessed by an observation of practice and a professional discussion using work which you have acquired throughout your qualification from your electronic portfolio of evidence.

What do I need?

To be eligible for a Healthcare Apprenticeship, the learner needs to have been residing in the UK or the EEA, for the past three years and be able to commit to the apprenticeship programme’s full duration. Note that certain types of immigration statuses/permissions may still be eligible. The learners job role should also fit with the programme modules. If the learner does not have a level 1 or equivalent in English and maths, they will need to achieve these qualifications as part of their apprenticeship.

To be eligible for our apprenticeship program, candidates must have successfully secured a full-time position as a support worker within an NHS trust. This requirement ensures that applicants possess the necessary foundation of experience and commitment to excel in our program, aligning with our dedication to fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals within the NHS. We believe that this firsthand experience within the NHS trust environment not only enhances the apprentices' learning journey but also enriches the quality of care they will provide in their future roles.

Support worker roles can be found by visiting NHS jobs and using the keyword Support Worker.

https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate

What qualifications do I need?

You can enter most of these roles with GCSEs. For most of them, you need maths and English, for some (such as orthotic or prosthetic technician) you may need science.

Some experience of healthcare is useful when applying for these roles. This can be from paid work, volunteering or caring for a family member.

Where can it take me?

Apprentices can progress onto the Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship programme, choosing one of the 7 pathways available within this programme overview.

Additional information

Career Pathways