What is an Apprenticeship? 

An apprenticeship is a full-time employment opportunity that combines work experience with study. Apprentices typically work with their employer three to four days per week and spend one day at college, completing the Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care  

Key points to note: 

• You are responsible for securing your own employer.
• You may be able to undertake an apprenticeship with your current employer.
• Apprentices work year-round, although college classes run from September to July. 
• Employers cover the cost of the day spent in college, ensuring apprentices receive at least the national minimum wage as part of their full-time salary. 
• Apprentices must be 16 years of age or older, with no upper age limit, allowing individuals to begin an apprenticeship at any stage of their career. 
• Potential apprentices may be new or existing employees, including graduates, or individuals about to start a permanent paid role. For existing employees, the apprenticeship must involve a new position that requires significant learning and skills development. 

The Apprenticeships Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care programme is designed for employees aged 16 and over and focused on individuals about to begin permanent paid employment with a company based in Northern Ireland. Students must be contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week, including 1 day a week at college, with a single employer. 

The Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care is a work-based qualification that enables students to integrate their job responsibilities with their studies, using their workplace experiences to support the completion of the qualifications. 

This course enhances knowledge and skills essential for the diverse roles within the Health and Social Care sector and is widely recognised by employers. Students attend College one day per week and benefit from one-to-one support from an assesor to build a portfolio of evidence. Additionally, students can select optional units from a broad range of topics to align with their specific workplace roles. 

Assessment methods  

All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which will include direct observation by a tutor or assessor within the workplace, written assignments and professional discussion. 

Special Features 

Successful students have been able to progress to team Senior Support worker roles within a wide range of settings and are eligible to apply to the Northern Ireland Social Care Council Register. 

The successful completion of this course can lead to entry to the Level 4 Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management in Adult Social Care or Level 4 Adult Care.

Apprenticeships Level 3 is open to employees aged 16+or those about to take up permanent paid employment with a Northern Ireland-based company and be contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (including 1 day in college) with one employer. If students do not have Level 2 Essential Skills in Numeracy and Literacy (or equivalent) this will be a mandatory element of the course.