The Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship is designed to prepare, support and develop healthcare support workers, enabling them to thrive in their role and progress confidently within the sector. The programme supports apprentices to build strong clinical knowledge, practical skills and professional values, while also acting as a potential gateway into nursing careers.

As part of the apprenticeship, learners will achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support.

Adult Nursing Support Pathway

Apprentices who choose the Adult Nursing Support pathway will develop the skills needed to provide essential care for adult patients in a variety of healthcare settings. Apprentices will learn how to:

• Support adults with a wide range of health conditions

• Assist patients with daily living and recovery

• Deliver compassionate, person‑centred care

• Work effectively under the supervision of registered nurses

This pathway offers hands‑on experience in adult care environments, helping apprentices build confidence and competence in real‑world healthcare settings.

On successful completion of the Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship, learners can progress into a wide range of further education and career opportunities within health and care.

Examples of further apprenticeship and training pathways include:

• Assistant Practitioner

• Nursing Associate

• Registered Nursing (following additional study)

• Allied Health Professional (AHP) roles, such as therapy or diagnostic support pathways

To support career planning, Skills England provides an interactive Occupational Maps tool, which illustrates the variety of progression pathways available through apprenticeships and further training within the healthcare sector.

Career progression does not need to follow a single, linear route. Entry requirements may vary between providers, and additional progression opportunities may be available depending on an individual’s prior learning, experience, and workplace setting. This flexibility allows apprentices to shape a career pathway that aligns with their interests, strengths, and long‑term goals in healthcare.

Although specific entry requirements are set by individual employers, the following entry requirements will apply to all applicants.

Age: Must be at least 16 years old.

Additional Requirements:

DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required, typically obtained through employment.

Commitment: Ability to commit to the full length of the programme and meet the programme modules through your job role.

An EPA is an assessment at the end of the apprenticeship. The EPA is the apprentice's opportunity to show an independent assessor how well they can carry out the occupation they have been trained for.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
fail
pass
distinction

When the apprentice passes the EPA, they will be awarded their apprenticeship certificate.

You’ll be assessed throughout the apprenticeship through group discussions, reflective tasks, and a portfolio of evidence. Your college tutor and employer will help you track your progress and prepare for your final assessment.

At the end of the programme, you’ll complete an End Point Assessment (EPA), which includes:

A multiple-choice and short-answer test
A practical observation
A learning journal and interview
These assessments confirm your competence and readiness to work independently as a Senior Healthcare Support Worker

If you would like to enquire for this Apprenticeship, please click 'Enquire' in the top right, follow the steps, and our Apprenticeship Team will be in touch with you. Alternatively, you can explore our current vacancies on the 'Apprenticeship Vacancies' page and apply now.

If you are already employed then please contact our Apprenticeship Team on 01524 521483.

Course code: A64278