Healthcare support worker
Level 2 · IntermediateHealth and science 0.7 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship at Level 2 provides you with the skills and values to support patients and service users across a wide range of NHS and social care settings, working under the supervision of registered professionals. You will assist with personal care, clinical observations, and the smooth running of wards or community services, always putting patient dignity and safety first. It is a popular starting point for careers in nursing, midwifery, and allied health professions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Person-centred care values and NHS Constitution principles
Safeguarding adults and children - recognition and escalation
Basic clinical observations - temperature, pulse, and blood pressure
Moving and handling patients safely using correct techniques
Infection prevention, hand hygiene, and standard precautions
Communication with patients, families, and clinical teams
Accurate record-keeping and maintaining confidentiality
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Assist patients with personal care, washing, and dressing
Record and report basic clinical observations to registered staff
Support patients with eating, drinking, and nutrition
Help with safe movement and transfer of patients
Prepare clinical areas and clean equipment between patients
Communicate compassionately with patients and relatives
Complete care records and hand-over information accurately
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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