HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE (ADULTS) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship

Level 3
Apprenticeship
Newry Campus
City & Guilds

Overview

The apprenticeship in Health and Social Care (Adults) Level 3 is designed for individuals passionate about working in the field of adult care. Throughout the course, students will develop a deep understanding of the principles and practices involved in providing high-quality care and support to adults in various health and social care settings. They will gain knowledge about promoting dignity, independence, and well-being, as well as the importance of person-centred care.

The course covers a wide range of topics, including the role of the health and social care worker, safeguarding adults, health and safety, communication skills, and understanding mental health and well-being in adults. Students will also explore specific areas such as supporting individuals with physical and learning disabilities, dementia care, end-of-life care, and promoting equality and inclusion.

This course provides a sector wide recognised qualification for working in health and social care as a senior care worker or other roles with similar responsibilities.

To be eligible to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2025 funded Level 2 / Level 3 apprenticeship provision, a person must meet all of the following criteria:

Have attained the upper limit of Compulsory School Age:
1. A 16 year old who is entitled to leave school after the statutory leaving date of 30 June, or a 17 year old who leaves school/Further Education (FE) College during the month of June, will be permitted to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 from the first Monday in July.
2. A school leaver/FE College leaver who is 17 years old and who leaves before 1 June can be admitted to ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 at any time after leaving school or College.
Be either an existing employee in a new job role that requires a substantial amount of learning and skills development, or a new employee in (or about to take up) a permanent paid employment offer, including a specific start date as detailed on the Delivery Agreement and confirmed by the employer.
Be employed by a company that has a base in Northern Ireland and is registered as an employer with HMRC and be contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes day release/off-the-job directed training) with one employer. Directed training must be paid as part of the apprentice’s contracted hours.
Have the potential to successfully complete all the requirements of the appropriate Level 2/Level 3 apprenticeship framework.
Meet any health requirements (e.g., colour vision) specific to the occupation of their choice.
Have achieved any necessary entry academic qualifications (e.g., GCSEs) determined by the relevant sector for the apprenticeship and approved by the Department.
Pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector/employer and approved by the Department.
Applicants with a previous level 2 or 3 qualification in the same occupational area may not be eligible for participation in a similar occupational area at the same level. This will require approval by the Department.

Employers may apply their own criteria during recruitment. However, only those potential apprentices who are assessed as capable / committed to achieving the full requirements of an apprenticeship framework will be recruited.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Modules include:

Communication
Health and safety
Safeguarding adults
Personal development

Assessments within the course are designed to evaluate students' knowledge, skills, and understanding of health and social care practices.. Assessment is through the use of written assignments and direct observation in the workplace.

The Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) serves as a solid foundation for those who wish to progress their studies at a higher level or specialise in specific areas of adult care. On successful completion of this course, many students progress onto the Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma in Health and Social Care or Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care Services, all offered at SRC.

Upon completion of the Health and Social Care (Adults) Level 3 Diploma, students will be equipped with the necessary skills to pursue a range of roles within the health and social care sector. They may find work within the health and social services trusts while there are also good employment opportunities within voluntary and private care organisations.