Level 5 Leader in Adult Care Apprenticeship Standard
Leading the team, and the culture they work in
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
Apprentices without Level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to completion of their Apprenticeship.
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
A step beyond the Lead Adult Care Worker: responsibility for a service or unit rather than for practice alone.
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They will guide and inspire the care team
Making positive differences for people facing physical, practical, social, emotional, psychological or intellectual challenges, through the team rather than only directly.
Covers leading the care team, person-centred outcomes
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They will build a values-based culture
Developing and implementing it at service or unit level, which is what determines the quality of care on the days nobody is watching.
Covers values-based culture, service or unit level leadership
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They will take on the business responsibilities
Business development, financial control, organisational resilience and continuity: the parts that keep the service open.
Covers business development, financial control, organisational resilience and continuity
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They will manage risk and lead change
Managing risk and leading on organisational change, both of which land on this role rather than on the care workers.
Covers risk management, leading organisational change
Nobody springs anything on anyone
All apprentices must undertake an independent endpoint assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours which have been developed 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
Progression within the industry
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 5
- 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.
See all 2 courses
At University Campus North Lincolnshire
At University Campus Doncaster
Careers it can lead to
- Senior Care Workers £26,800 a year
- Care Workers and Home Carers £13.39 an hour
- Early Education and Childcare Practitioners £12.96 an hour
- Houseparents and Residential Wardens £25,800 a year
See all 9 careers
- Welfare and Housing Associate Professionals £25,100 a year
- Early Education and Childcare Assistants £13.30 an hour
With further study or experience
- Residential, Day and Domiciliary Care Managers and Proprietors £42,000 a year
- Social Workers £38,200 a year
- Social Services Managers and Directors £33,800 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.