Adult care worker
Level 2 · IntermediateCare services 1 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An adult care worker provides hands-on support to adults who need help with daily living due to age, disability, illness, or mental health needs, in settings such as care homes, supported living, or the community. Apprentices learn to support people with personal care, medication, social activities, and communication in a person-centred way. This role is the foundation for a career in health and social care, with progression to senior care worker or team leader.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Person-centred values and promoting dignity and independence
Safe moving and handling techniques for supporting individuals
Basic medication awareness and safe administration procedures
Safeguarding adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
Effective communication with individuals, families, and professionals
Record-keeping, care plans, and information governance
Health and safety responsibilities in a care setting
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Assist individuals with personal care such as washing and dressing
Support people to take their medication safely and on time
Help individuals to access social activities and community life
Write accurate and timely records in care plans after each visit
Respond to changes in a person's condition and report concerns
Work with families and other professionals to coordinate care
Follow safeguarding procedures if abuse or neglect is suspected
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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