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Entry Requirements

The apprentice must normally be age 16 to 21 at the start of their apprenticeship. Exceptions to this are set out in the Department for Education Apprenticeship funding rules. 

 

Pass initial assessment or have Grade 2 or above in GCSE or Level 1/2 Functional Skills in English and Maths.

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Study Mode

Full time

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Duration

1 academic year

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Timetable

Please speak to tutor


Key features and Benefits

  • Study at our state-of-the-art campus, The Blackburn Learning Quarter
  • Study at one of the Top 3 Colleges in England*
  • Benefit from our industry bespoke facilities

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  • Overview

    Health and care support assistants provide compassionate, high‑quality support across settings such as care homes, hospitals, GP practices, community teams, and people’s homes. Their duties vary depending on whether they assist with clinical healthcare tasks or personal care in adult social care.

     

    The Foundation Apprenticeship includes at least 187 hours of off‑the‑job learning and equips apprentices with the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours for the role, while also serving as a stepping stone toward more specialised careers or further apprenticeships.

  • What will I Study?

    You will learn the essential knowledge for working in health and social care, including how the sectors link, key legal and ethical principles, safeguarding, person‑centred care, infection control, digital working, health promotion, food hygiene, common conditions, and safe moving and handling. You’ll also explore career pathways and how to build personal resilience.

     

    You’ll develop practical skills such as supporting individuals safely, adapting care to their needs, using digital systems, promoting healthy choices, and applying hygiene and safety procedures. You’ll also build core workplace behaviours like good communication, professionalism, teamwork, problem‑solving, and managing your own wellbeing.

  • Entry Requirements

    The apprentice must normally be age 16 to 21 at the start of their apprenticeship. Exceptions to this are set out in the Department for Education Apprenticeship funding rules. 

     

    Pass initial assessment or have Grade 2 or above in GCSE or Level 1/2 Functional Skills in English and Maths.

  • How will I be assessed?

    Assessments are via a combination of a knowledge test and a practical assessment.

     

    Assessments can take place at suitable points throughout the programme and may include observations, set tasks, simulated activities, projects, presentations, or portfolios.

  • What to do next?

    Other relevant higher-level qualifications

  • Your Study Programme

  • Discover other courses in Health and Social Care

Explore your career options

GROUP SHOT

We are proud to be one of the Top 3* Colleges in England for A-Levels and Technical Courses.

*In the Government's latest achievement tables for learners aged 16-18.