Health and Social Care Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship

The Level 2 Health and Social Care Apprenticeship in is an excellent starting point for young people aged 16 to 21 who are looking to begin a rewarding career within the health and social care sector.

Delivered over 8 to 12 months, the programme offers flexible learning through online, face-to-face or blended delivery, with attendance typically required just one day per month.

The course provides you with the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work safely, effectively and professionally in a variety of health and social care settings. Throughout the programme, you will explore key topics including person-centred care; equality, diversity and inclusion; safeguarding; infection prevention and control; communication; health and wellbeing; digital working; moving and handling; food hygiene; mental capacity; and supporting independence.

Through engaging workbooks, practical activities and reflective learning, you will build confidence, develop sector-specific knowledge and gain a strong foundation for future employment, further training or progression within health and social care. This supportive and flexible programme is ideal for those taking their first steps into the sector and wishing to develop the skills required to make a positive difference to the lives of others.

Throughout the Health and Social Care Apprenticeship, you will develop a broad understanding of the health and social care sector and the knowledge required to provide safe, person-centred care. The programme covers career opportunities within health and social care; equality, diversity and inclusion; duty of care; safeguarding; person-centred approaches; mental health and wellbeing; infection prevention and control; digital working; health promotion; food hygiene; common health conditions; personal resilience; and safe moving and handling practices.

In addition to underpinning knowledge, you will develop practical workplace skills including communication, teamwork, professionalism, using digital systems, supporting individuals to make positive lifestyle choices, maintaining health and safety, applying infection control measures, and adapting care and support to meet individual needs. The programme also focuses on developing employability skills, helping you build confidence, resilience and workplace readiness for a future career in health and social care.

Assessment throughout the Level 2 Health and Social Care Foundation Apprenticeship is designed to allow you to demonstrate your practical skills and underpinning knowledge.

During the programme, you will complete a combination of workplace observations, where you can showcase your skills and behaviours in practice, and written assignments/workbooks to evidence their knowledge and understanding of key health and social care topics.

You will receive ongoing support, feedback and guidance from your tutor throughout the course.

At the end of the apprenticeship, you will undertake an End-Point Assessment (EPA), which includes a multiple-choice knowledge test and a practical assessment/observation to demonstrate your competence in carrying out your role safely and effectively. This assessment process ensures you are fully prepared for employment within the health and social care sector and can confidently apply your learning in real-world settings.

There are no formal qualification requirements to apply for this course. However, you will be required to be:

21 years of age or younger

in paid employment

Have a DBS certificate

Successful completion of the Health and Social Care Foundation Apprenticeship can open the door to a wide range of career and educational opportunities within the health, social care and childcare sectors.

You may progress directly into employment in roles such as Healthcare Support Worker, Care Assistant, Support Worker, Residential Care Worker or Personal Assistant.

For those wishing to continue their studies, progression routes may include:

Level 2 Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship

Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship

Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship

Level 3 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner Apprenticeship

Other health and social care qualifications

You may also choose to progress to further education courses such as Health and Social Care Diplomas, T Level in Health, or Access to Higher Education programmes.