Apprenticeship Summary
Develop experienced care professionals who deliver outstanding patient care
The Senior Healthcare Support Worker - Level 3 Apprenticeship is designed for employers looking to develop experienced support staff who can provide high-quality, compassionate care while taking greater responsibility within healthcare teams.
Senior Healthcare Support Workers play a crucial role in supporting registered healthcare professionals, delivering clinical, therapeutic and diagnostic care across a wide range of health and care settings. They act as role models within their teams, helping to improve patient outcomes while supporting the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred care.
Is this apprenticeship right for your business?
If you're looking to strengthen workforce capability, improve patient experience and create clear progression opportunities for support staff, this apprenticeship provides an excellent solution.
Senior Healthcare Support Workers undertake more complex responsibilities than Level 2 Healthcare Support Workers and are expected to use their knowledge, judgement and experience to deliver high-quality care within their area of practice. They often support the development of less experienced colleagues and contribute to service improvement activities.
What will Apprentices Learn?
Apprentices develop advanced healthcare knowledge, technical competence and professional behaviours needed to provide specialist support within healthcare environments.
Training is delivered through a combination of workplace learning, professional coaching, observations, portfolio development and structured off-the-job training. Apprentices apply their learning directly within their role, ensuring immediate benefits for both the individual and employer.
The programme is delivered in the workplace.
Programme content includes:
- Delivering person-centred care and support
- Clinical and therapeutic healthcare practices
- Safeguarding and duty of care
- Promoting health and wellbeing
- Infection prevention and control
- Communication and relationship management
- Care planning and record keeping
- Professional values and accountability
- Service improvement and quality assurance
- Supporting and mentoring colleagues
- Working within multidisciplinary teams
- Leadership behaviours and role modelling
Depending on the employer's requirements and service area, apprentices can develop specialist skills through pathways including:
- Adult Nursing Support
- Maternity Support
- Theatre Support
- Mental Health Support
- Children and Young People Support
- Allied Health Profession Therapy Support
- Diagnostic Imaging Support
Qualifications included
A major benefit of this apprenticeship is that apprentices achieve a recognised healthcare qualification alongside the apprenticeship standard.
Included within the programme:
- Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
- English and Maths qualifications where required
The diploma provides learners with the advanced knowledge and practical competence required to perform effectively in healthcare support roles and is a mandatory gateway requirement before End-Point Assessment.
Entry Requirements
Apprentices should be employed in a suitable role that allows them to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the occupational standard.
Apprentices should also hold a grade 4 or equivalent in both GCSE English and maths.
Apprentices may be required to work towards English and maths qualifications as part of their apprenticeship where appropriate. We will provide advice on the requirements that apply to your apprentice and support them throughout their learning journey.
How is the Apprentice Assessed?
Apprentices are assessed throughout the programme through workplace practice, professional reviews, observations and portfolio development.
At the end of the apprenticeship, apprentices complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) which includes:
• Observation of Practice with Questions
• Professional Discussion underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence
These assessments confirm that the apprentice has achieved the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the occupational standard.
Need Help Finding the Right Apprentice?
Our Apprenticeship Onboarding Team can support you through every stage of the recruitment process, including promoting your vacancy to prospective candidates, including talent within our existing student cohort here at the College.
Whether you're recruiting your first apprentice or expanding your workforce, we'll help you find the right candidate for your business.
Ready to get started?
If you're looking to recruit an apprentice or upskill an existing employee, our Employer Engagement Team is here to help.
Get in touch today to discuss your workforce needs, funding options and upcoming start dates.
Funding and Employer Incentives
Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to recruit new talent or develop your existing workforce, with significant government funding available for eligible employers.
Our Employer Engagement Team will explain the funding and incentives available to your organisation. View our latest Apprenticeship Funding and Employer Incentives for the most up-to-date information.
Career Progression
The Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship offers excellent progression opportunities across the health and care sector.
Potential progression routes include:
• Nursing Associate
• Assistant Practitioner
• Senior Clinical Support Roles
• Allied Health Professional Support Roles
• Registered Nursing Pathways
• Midwifery and Healthcare Degree Programmes
• Specialist Clinical Support Positions
Following further experience and study, apprentices may progress into registered healthcare professions.