Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship Standard
Experienced enough to work under indirect supervision
An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.
The short answer
What an apprentice needs
When recruiting, employers may select apprentices with prior experience as a support worker.
All apprentices must undertake an independent end-point assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.
The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.
What they’ll learn
Helping registered practitioners deliver healthcare, across a wide range of services.
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They will carry out clinical and non-clinical tasks
A range of clinical, non-clinical and therapeutic tasks, under the direct or indirect supervision of a registered healthcare practitioner.
Covers clinical tasks, non-clinical tasks, therapeutic tasks, working under supervision
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They will work to standards, policies and protocols
Providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare while following the standards that apply, and always acting within the limits of their competence.
Covers standards, policies and protocols, limits of competence
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They will work across very different settings
Hospital, community, health or day care unit, birth centre or midwifery-led unit, someone's home, operating theatre, nursing or care home, assessment centre, hospice, school, prison, GP surgery, or a charity.
Covers hospital, community, home, theatre, hospice, GP surgery, custodial and school settings
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They will work in partnership, not in isolation
With individuals, families, carers and other service providers, which is most of what makes a senior support worker useful.
Covers partnership with individuals, families, carers and other providers
Nobody springs anything on anyone
All apprentices must undertake an independent end-point assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.
Coursework and portfolio
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
A review with you
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
A full mock
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
What it takes, on both sides
If you're the employer
- A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
- Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
- Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
- Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.
If you want to be the apprentice
- A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
- Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
- An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
- No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
This is a step, not a destination
Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.
Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course Level 3
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 4 Cert HE Professional Practice in Health and Social Care At University Campus North LincolnshireAlso at University Campus Doncaster
- Level 6 BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) At University Campus Doncaster
- Level 5 FdSc Assistant Practitioner Health and Social Care, At University Campus Doncaster
See all 4 courses
At University Campus North Lincolnshire
At University Campus Doncaster
Careers it can lead to
- Health Associate Professionals £24,200 a year
- Nursing Auxiliaries and Assistants £23,800 a year
- Care Workers and Home Carers £13.39 an hour
- Senior Care Workers £26,800 a year
See all 11 careers
- Ambulance Staff (Excluding Paramedics) £27,800 a year
With further study or experience
- Registered Community Nurses £30,800 a year
- Other Registered Nursing Professionals £36,500 a year
- Registered Specialist Nurses £47,300 a year
- Registered Nurse Practitioners £41,500 a year
- Residential, Day and Domiciliary Care Managers and Proprietors £42,000 a year
- Registered Mental Health Nurses £36,100 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
How to start this apprenticeship
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
Put someone on this programme
Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.
Speak to us today 01724 281111
Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.
You'll need an employer first
An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.