What is a care services apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship in care services is a practical, work-based route into your chosen career. You will gain the qualifications and skills to work in the field while earning a salary and not paying tuition fees.
You could be making a difference to the lives of people with mental health conditions, learning difficulties, older people, or children and families, to name a few.
Career opportunities from a care services apprenticeship
An apprenticeship in the industry can lead to a range of careers, including a:
A day in the life of a Public Health apprentice
Ash is a public health apprentice at Bristol City Council.
Up to £27,000
Average salary for a care worker
According to Reed, correct as of December 2022
Over 1.5 million
The number of people working in adult social care in England
GOV.UK, correct as of January 2023
To get this place I had to go through a rigorous process, but I think that demonstrates the personal resilience you’ll need to be a social worker. I’d highly recommend taking the apprenticeship route because the combination of theory and application enriches your knowledge.
University wasn’t exactly for me. I would always prefer a different blended experience of on and off the job learning, as well as earning a wage at the same time. I’m glad I chose a public health apprenticeship as it’s definitely the right place to tackle health inequalities.
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Pros and considerations
Pros
- You’ll truly be making a difference to people's lives.
- You’ll get to meet lots of types of people.
- Every day is different and brings its own challenges.
Considerations
- Some roles require shift work or unsociable hours.
- Working life can be unpredictable.
- You may have to deal with emotional situations.
Who would suit a care apprenticeship?
You might be interested in a care services apprenticeship if you:
- want to take care of people
- are interested in working with vulnerable people or those who need additional help
- are looking for a hands-on role working closely with people
You might be a good fit for a care services apprenticeship if you:
- are responsible
- can work well under pressure
- are kind and caring
- are able to deal with challenging situations
- work well as part of a team and on your own
- are adaptable and flexible
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FAQs about care services apprenticeships
How do care services apprenticeships work?
An apprenticeship is an opportunity to work and study at the same time. You spend most of your time doing on-the-job training, and the rest is spent working towards a qualification. You get paid a salary and get dedicated study time throughout the week.
Apprenticeships are available at a range of levels depending on the type you do. For example, a social worker is a degree apprenticeship whereas a youth worker may be a Level 3 apprenticeship. It’s about finding the right one for you.
How long is an apprenticeship in the sector?
The length of your apprenticeship depends on the level you’re taking. For example, a degree apprenticeship could take three to six years, whereas an advanced apprenticeship could take one to two years.
What qualifications do you need?
Entry requirements are different depending on the role you’re interested in. For example, Level 2 apprenticeships generally need no formal qualifications, while you may need GCSEs and A levels for a degree apprenticeship.
Remember, it’s not all about qualifications. To succeed in the role, you’ll need soft skills like passion, a caring nature, and level-headedness.
What is the salary for an apprentice in the sector?
The salary varies depending on the role you’re interested in, and every employer will pay differently. You will be paid at least the minimum wage of £4.81 per hour, but many employers offer more than this. You’ll need to have a look at some vacancies to get an idea of what the salary would be.
We’re looking for people who can think outside the box and who are passionate about making positive changes in people's lives. If you can show you’ve researched and understand issues around equality and diversity, there’s a role for you in this sector.
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