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The Level 2 Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care is a work-based programme designed for individuals employed within the health and social care sector. The apprenticeship develops the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required to provide safe, effective and person-centred care within a range of care settings including residential care, domiciliary care, supported living and community-based services.
Learners will achieve the OCN NI Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland) alongside Essential Skills qualifications where required. The programme combines workplace learning, assessment of occupational competence and professional development to support learners in becoming effective care practitioners.
The programme develops knowledge and skills in:
• Standards and values underpinning social care practice • Safeguarding in social care services • Safe moving and positioning of individuals • Environmental health and safety • Safe medication practice • Safe food handling and dysphagia awareness • Emergency first aid in social care services • Communication, recording and information sharing • Values-led practice • Health and safety responsibilities • Continuing professional development and reflective practice • Person-centred care approaches • Professional behaviours and workplace competence
ADDITIONAL APPRENTICESHIP REQUIREMENTS:
Essential Skills (where required): • Communication Level 1 • Application of Number Level 1 • Digital ICT Essential Skills Entry Level 3 or Level 1
• Employed in a suitable health and social care role. • Normally aged 16 years or over. • Demonstrate the ability to work at Level 2. • Support from employer to undertake workplace assessment. • Access to appropriate workplace opportunities to generate evidence.
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate an appropriate level of English language proficiency to successfully complete the programme and workplace assessments.
Assessment is carried out in the workplace and classroom through:
• Direct observation of practice • Professional discussion • Portfolio of evidence • Witness testimonies • Reflective accounts • Product evidence • Knowledge-based assignments and questioning • Assessment of Essential Skills qualifications where applicable
• Level 3 Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care • Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care • Senior Care Worker roles • Specialist support worker positions • Further professional development within the care sector
Learners must be employed within an appropriate health and social care setting. Workplace assessment will be conducted by qualified assessors. Evidence will be gathered through workplace observations, professional discussions and portfolio development. Learners must complete all mandatory qualification requirements and Apprenticeships NI requirements. Essential Skills qualifications may be required depending on prior achievement.
Applicants must secure relevant employment before commencing the apprenticeship. Attendance at all college-based sessions is mandatory. Learners must comply with employer policies, safeguarding procedures and professional standards. Successful completion is dependent upon achievement of all qualification and framework requirements. Enhanced AccessNI checks is a requirement.
P2515EF10A
Session Code
2 Year(s)
Duration
Apprenticeships
Mode of Study
6.5
Hours per Week
34
Number of Weeks
Interview Required
26/27
Academic Year
01/09/2026
Start Date
Subject to Timetable
Day/s
sian.mcelhone@swc.ac.uk
Coordinator(s)
Total Annual Fee N/A
Total Concessionary Fee N/A
Fees Payable Each Year
**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?
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