Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship | Diploma in Care Level 2

Healthcare support workers (HCSWs) work as part of a team providing high quality compassionate care to individuals. Healthcare support workers carry out well-defined routine clinical duties like monitoring an individual’s conditions, checking on their overall progress, comfort and wellbeing.

What are the benefits and career opportunities?

Healthcare support workers (HCSWs) work as part of a team providing high quality compassionate care to individuals. Healthcare support workers carry out well-defined routine clinical duties like monitoring an individual’s conditions, checking on their overall progress, comfort and wellbeing.

When the apprentices have completed the 12-month standard, they will be equipped with a variety of valuable skills including preparing individuals for healthcare activities and looking after them before, during and/or after those activities. The apprenticeship standards “knowledge, skills and behaviours” are developed over the course of the programme via scheduled learning interventions with employer mentors and Lifetime Regional Trainers.

The apprenticeship aligns coaching and learning to support apprentices in their training, and ensure they’re fully prepared for the End Point Assessment.

What are the entry requirements?

1. Must be aged 16+

2. Must work a minimum of 16 hours a week

3. Must be in a role relevant to the course of study

4. Must not be in any other government funded training

5. Must have lived in the UK or EU for the last three years and have an indefinite right to remain

What does the apprenticeship involve?

Communication and handling

The apprentices will be required to record, report and store information related to individuals in line with local and national policies.

Health intervention and physiological measurements

The apprenticeship covers practical healthcare support work including the identification of signs of pain and undertaking a range of physiological measurements using the appropriate equipment.

Person centred care and support

The apprentice will learn what it means to give ‘person centred care and support’, and why it is important to get consent, even when it is difficult.

Dementia, cognitive issues and mental health

Part of the apprenticeship training involves recognising limitations in mental capacity and how to respond appropriately.

Basic life support, health, safety and security

The apprenticeship training will cover how to take appropriate action in response to incidents or emergencies following local guidelines.

Personal and people development

The apprentices will take responsibility for, prioritise and reflect on their own actions and work.

Duty of care and safeguarding

As part of the healthcare support work apprenticeship level 2, the apprentices will be taught the principles for implementing a duty of care, always acting in the best interest and safeguarding of individuals to ensure they do not come to harm.

Infection prevention and control

An important part of healthcare support work in infection prevention and control. The apprentices will use a range of techniques including waste management, hand washing and the use of Personal Protective Equipment.

Equality and diversity

The apprenticeship will teach the importance of equality, and how to be aware of discrimination in the workplace.

Related qualifications

Learners may also complete a Level 2 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support or a regulated vocational qualification during the on-programme phase of their apprenticeship.

How is the apprenticeship assessed?

The apprentices will undergo regular evaluation sessions with trainers and managers. This will enable them to practice key end assessment tasks, including Q&A sessions, practical observations, and professional discussions. To prepare for a final end point assessment, apprentices will be asked to complete a number of activities in-between visits to build confidence and competence in the knowledge, skills and behaviours areas.

End point assessment

Apprentices access End Point Assessment following a gateway discussion with their employer and Regional Trainer where entry requirements are discussed, checked and recorded including functional skills at the required level. The Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 End Point Assessment will include the following types of assessment:

Multiple choice questions

An array of questions which the learner must select the correct answer(s) from multiple choices. This format of assessment tests knowledge against a specific set of requirements.

Benefits of multiple choice question tests include convenience, soundness of understanding and a comprehension of how the standard maps across to the knowledge required in the role.

Observation of practice

A structured and planned period where the learner can demonstrate their ability and skills to their Assessor. It allows the Assessor to observe and record the required skills and behaviours of the standard in the learner’s normal work.

Benefits of the observation include authenticating that the learned skills and behaviours are embedded, reduction of time taken up though examination and allows the learner to demonstrate a comprehension of how the standard maps across to the skills and behaviours required in the role.

Portfolio review & interview

The professional discussion is a formal meeting where the learner will be asked questions related to the standard and may be based on the knowledge, skills and behaviours learned during the course. This can also include their portfolio, or any projects completed.

Benefits of the professional discussion include authenticating that the learned skills and behaviours are embedded, reduction of time taken up through examination and allows the learner to demonstrate a comprehension of how the standard maps across to the skills and behaviours required in the role.

How to apply?

Please click ‘Make Enquiry’ below and complete the form. A course advisor will be in touch shortly to discuss your eligibility and options.

What are the fees?

Funding is available from multiple sources. These include government, employer or self-funded options. For more information regarding this, please click ‘Make Enquiry’ below and a course advisor will be in touch shortly to discuss your individual circumstances.

When are the start dates?

Sign ups take place at any time during the month with the course lasting 12-18 months from the start date.