Health and Social Care Apprenticeships & Qualifications

About Health and Social Care 

The Health and Social Care Sector is an umbrella term that relates to services that are in the Healthcare or Social Care Sectors. Although these sectors have differences the key word is ‘care’, to work in this sector you need to truly care about helping other people. There are lots of different career pathways in this sector. 

Healthcare 

Healthcare focuses on the treatment of ill health and medical conditions via the diagnosis, treatment and prevention.  You will work under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. You could k work in hospital or community settings, such as GP surgeries, under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. 

Social Care 

Social Care is about providing physical, emotional and social and practical support to help people live their lives.  Care workers can be employed in a range of settings such as care homes, day centres or in an individual’s own home and could be employed to support adults who are elderly, have physical disabilities, learning disabilities, dementia or mental health problems or in residential childcare ensuring  that their needs are met when they cannot live with their own family. 

How do you get into the Industry? 

Those looking to enter the industry must ensure they are prepared for the high level of commitment required by the sector and will mean dealing with potentially challenging and stressful situations as well as working and unsociable hours. 

Before you can begin working you will need enhanced background checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). 

To start a Healthcare Apprenticeship at Level 2, you will not require any further qualifications. However individual employers may look for specific qualifications, these are stated on each Apprenticeship Vacancy.  

 Level 3 Healthcare Apprenticeships require you to have a Level 2 Healthcare qualification or significant experience in the sector. 

Typical skills required: 

• You'll need to be 
• caring and kind 
• cheerful and friendly 
• willing to be hands-on with those you care for 
• able to follow instructions and procedures 
• able to work in a team but use their own initiative 

You'll also need: 

• communication skills 
• organisation skills 
• observational skills 

Further Progression 

You could progress to a more senior role, managing people or services