Lead adult care worker
Level 3 · AdvancedCare services 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A lead adult care worker provides high-quality, person-centred support to adults with care and support needs, while also leading and coaching a team of care workers. At level 3, apprentices develop the skills to take on shift leadership responsibilities across residential, community, or domiciliary settings. This apprenticeship leads to care team leader, senior support worker, and eventually registered manager pathways.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Person-centred approaches and how to promote individual dignity and choice
Leadership skills for guiding, supervising, and motivating a care team
Care planning, risk assessment, and how to review support plans
Safeguarding adults legislation and how to raise and escalate concerns
Medication administration and safe handling of controlled drugs
Health and safety obligations in care settings including moving and handling
Mental capacity legislation including the Mental Capacity Act 2005
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Lead a shift and allocate tasks fairly across a team of care workers
Develop, review, and update individual care and support plans
Support individuals with personal care, mobility, and daily living activities
Identify safeguarding concerns and follow the correct reporting procedure
Mentor and coach junior care workers to improve their practice
Administer medication accurately and maintain medication records
Liaise with health professionals, families, and advocates on behalf of individuals
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 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
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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