Apprenticeships in adult social care

An apprenticeship is a programme that involves learning the skills required for a particular profession. Unlike college or university courses, apprenticeship programmes include a combination of work-based learning and formal study and qualifications. Apprenticeships combine hands-on work with classroom learning to train the apprentice. Apprenticeships are considered full-time employment.
What are the benefits of apprenticeships?
- Gain qualifications and work experience at the same time
- Earn a wage whilst studying
- Be part of a team and work alongside experienced professionals
Finding an apprenticeship employer

There are a few different ways to find an employer to support you in your apprenticeship. Here are 3 ways to get started;
- Use our enquiry form to connect with employers in your area
- Use the governments 'Find an apprenticeship' tool to search for vacancies
- Speak to local college or training providers who offer social care apprenticeship training
Nursing Associate Apprenticeship
A nursing associate is an exciting new role within the nursing family. The role has been created to give care professionals in nursing home settings the opportunity to progress in their career and support the delivery of excellent nursing care in their community.
Nursing associates do not work in place of registered nurses. Rather, nursing associates work alongside registered nurses to meet the needs of the people they support.
Key information
- this role is registered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council
- a nursing associate is educated to foundation degree level, is registered and has a PIN number
- a nursing associate is accountable for their own practice
- once registered, a nursing associate can undertake continuous professional development and even progress into registered nurse training
Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council are supporting the sector in increasing the number of nursing associates being trained and employed in social care settings.
Find out more
There is lots of information about the nursing associate apprenticeship on the Nursing and Midwifery Council website.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council has produced a case study with Emily Burton who recently qualified as a nursing associate.