Health and social care foundation apprenticeship

Duration

Practical period - 8 months (this does not include EPA period)

Average EPA preparation period – 2-3 months.

Study Mode

Day release (1 day per week) Wednesday

An additional half day may be required for apprentices working towards English & Maths achievement.

Entry Requirements

Minimum requirement: GCSE English and Maths at Grade 2 or above, or Functional Skills English and Maths at Entry Level 3.

Apprentices who have not yet achieved Level 2 (GCSE Grade 4) in English and Maths must continue working towards a Level 2 (GCSE Grade 4) qualification, or an equivalent, in both subjects.

If you have not yet met the entry requirements above, additional support and guidance are available.

Occupation Summary

This level 2 apprenticeship is suitable for learners who are aged 18-21 and would like to progress into the role of Health Care Support Assistant.

The apprenticeship provides a mix of employability skills and behaviours, technical knowledge and skills and associated English and maths. The apprenticeship will not only help you grow your skills but will also help to inform your next career steps.

Health and Care Support Assistants work in a range of health and care settings, for example in a care home, hospital, General Practice, as part of a community team and individuals’ homes where the wider team may include workers from both health and social care.

The broad purpose is to provide high quality and compassionate care and support to individuals. Daily duties will vary dependent on where you work and whether your work is focussed on supporting healthcare professionals in providing clinical healthcare or providing personal care and support in adult social care.

On completion of the course, you will be competent in the knowledge, skills and behaviours outlined in the standard. If you complete all of the content, you will be part-way through a journey to a more specialist occupation.

Course Overview

This course introduces learners to the key principles and practices of health and social care, including duty of care, safeguarding, equality and inclusion and person-centred support.

It develops understanding of wellbeing, infection control, health promotion and common conditions, alongside safe working practices such as food hygiene, moving and handling and the use of digital technologies.

Learners will build practical skills in supporting individuals, working collaboratively to keep people safe and adapting care to meet individual needs, while also demonstrating their competence through workplace observation and assessment.

Employability skills such as communication, professionalism, teamwork, resilience and safe working are embedded throughout, preparing learners for progression in the sector.

End Point Assessment

The End Point Assessment for this standard consists of the following elements:

• A knowledge test
• A practical assessment which may be an observation, undertaking a set task in a simulated environment, projects, presentations or compiling a portfolio of evidence

Progression Opportunities

A foundation apprenticeship offers opportunities for progression:

Progression to further apprenticeships:

- Adult Care Worker

- Healthcare Support Worker

Progression to employment

You can use the skills, knowledge and experience you have gained to start working as healthcare support worker

There are a variety of careers you can pursue once you have completed the course as the knowledge, skills and behaviours you will develop are highly prized within a broad range of health and care settings:

• Healthcare Support Worker
• Healthcare Assistant
• Mental Health Support Worker
• Nursing Assistant
• Personal Assistant
• Support Worker