Training and Education
Working in adult social care is a great way to learn and develop new skills. Whether you learn on the job, start an Apprenticeship or complete an NVQ with your employer you can choose the path which is right for you.
But don’t just take our word for it; check out the films below from local people in West Sussex who have completed an apprenticeship in care.
Apprenticeships are a great way of combining study, on the job training and practical experience. You get to work alongside experienced staff, gain job specific qualifications and earn a wage for the time you work and study.
Your employer and training provider will organise your training which will be 20% of your working hours. This may be done in a school, college or at a training centre. The training adviser will support you and provide regular feedback throughout your apprenticeship. You will also complete a qualification in functional English and Maths if you do not already have this.
At the end of your apprenticeship you will complete an End Point Assessment. This can be an exam, test or essay. You will also have a discussion with an independent assessor to go over your e-learning portfolio to get an understanding of the work you have done and what you have learnt.
Once you have passed your apprenticeship you may be offered a job with your employer. Many apprenticeship adverts will say if there is a guaranteed job on offer. Around 90% of apprentices stay in employment once their apprenticeship ends and 67% of those stay with the same employer.
Apprenticeships can take between 1 and 5 years to complete depending on the level you choose.
A Level 2 qualification has no entry requirements at all just a willingness to learn and engage with the role and learning. All other levels require either relevant qualifications or relevant experience. (see our apprenticeship pathway for more information)
If you would like to know more about apprenticeships or look for local Health and Social Care Apprenticeships please check the websites:
The Care Certificate is offered by the majority of Care employers. It is a set of standards set out by Skills for Care that all new starters should be aware of. Skills for Care is an independent charity working as a delivery partner for the Department of Health and Social Care to help create a well-led, skilled and valued adult social care workforce, they offer practical support to help leaders and managers to recruit, develop and lead their staff. The Care Certificate covers the following:
- Understand your role
- Your personal development
- Duty of care
- Equality and diversity
- Work in a person centred way
- Communication
- Privacy and dignity
- Fluids and nutrition
- Awareness of mental health, dementia and learning disabilities
- Safeguarding adults
- Safeguarding children
- Basic life support
- Health and safety
- Handling information
- Infection prevention and control
The Care certificate should be completed within 12 weeks of starting your role.
If your employer does not offer the care certificate do not worry as the above will be covered in your induction and ongoing training.
For further information on the Care Certificate please see: www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Learning-development/inducting-staff/care-certificate/Care-Certificate.aspx
To help with your personal development the majority of Care employers will offer you the opportunity to complete an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) once you have been with them for 6 months. This is a great way to get a universally recognised qualification and can be done alongside your role. Some of the NVQs available are: Apprenticeship and Qualification Pathway
- Levels 2, 3 and 4 – Diploma in Health and Social Care/Adult Care
- Level 4 – Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management in Adult Services
- Level 5 – Diploma in Leadership and Management in Adult Care
- Level 6 – Certificate of Fundamental Knowledge in Commissioning for Wellbeing
If you would like the opportunity to complete an NVQ speak with your Care employer or look for it on their job adverts. For further information on qualifications available and areas they cover please contact us at proudtocare@westsussex.gov.uk or for more guidance see:
https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Learning-development/Apprenticeships/Apprenticeships.aspx
To help you find the right apprenticeship for you, we have provided a list of training providers who offer Health and Social Care apprenticeships in West Sussex. Most employers will work in partnership with training providers to deliver the apprenticeship programme and to develop a training plan which reflects the needs of the apprentice and the employer.