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This qualification is designed for learners employed within the Health and Social Care sector who wish to develop the knowledge, skills and occupational competence required to practice effectively within a range of care settings. The programme is endorsed by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) and aligned to the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Apprenticeship Framework.
As part of this course, you will be required to complete an Enhanced Access NI check. Depending on your specific placement, this may also include checks against the Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists to ensure suitability for working with vulnerable groups.
The programme includes:
Continuing Professional Development in Health and Social Care
Effective Communication and Information Sharing
Health and Safety
Safeguarding, Protection and Duty of Care
Mental Capacity and Restrictive Practices
Person-Centred Practice
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Infection Prevention and Control
Personal Care
Moving and Positioning Individuals
Medication Support
Nutrition and Hydration
Mental Health
Dementia
Learning Disabilities and Autism
Specialist Optional Units related to workplace practice
Continuing Professional Development in Health and Social Care, Promoting Effective Communication and Information Sharing in Health and Social Care, Promoting and Implementing Health and Safety in Health and Social Care, Understand Safeguarding, Protection and Duty of Care in Health and Social Care, Understand Mental Capacity and Restrictive Practices in Health and Social Care, Promoting and Implementing Person-Centred Practice, Promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Health and Social Care.
Optional Group A Units (Knowledge-Based Specialist Units) Understand the Context of Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities, Understand Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Understand Mental Health, Understand Dementia, Understand Physical Disability, Understand Sensory Loss, Understand End of Life Care , Understand Substance Use and Referral to Specialist Services, Understand Homelessness, Understand Reablement in Health and Social Care Services. Optional Group B Units (Practice-Based Specialist Units) Infection Prevention and Control in Health and Social Care, Supporting Individuals with Personal Care,Moving and Positioning Individuals, Supporting Individuals to Use Medication, Administering Medication to Individuals, Promoting Nutrition and Hydration, Supporting Individuals who are Distressed, Promoting Positive Behaviour, Supporting Individuals with Specific Communication Needs Supporting Individuals to Participate in Group Activities, Supporting Individuals to Maintain and Develop Skills for Everyday Life, Supporting Individuals to Access Services and Facilities, Undertaking Physiological Measurements, Supporting Individuals to Manage Dysphagia, Supporting Individuals Using Assistive Technology.
Learners should be a minimum of 18 years old. Learners are required to undertake an Access NI Check.
For all age apprenticeships, candidates must be employed for a minimum of 21 hours per week in the care field. If you do not have a GCSE grade C (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics and ICT, you will be required to gain these qualifications as part of the Apprenticeship Framework.
Learners will be assessed by submission of evidence from written assignments and workplace observations.
Successful learners may progress to:
Leadership and Management qualifications.
Higher Education programmes in Health and Social Care related disciplines.
Learners may progress into employment as a senior care worker in residential, nursing or domiciliary settings.Learners may also gain employment as a health care assistant in the hospital settings, undertaking specific roles such as phlebotomist.
Candidates need to be employed for a minimum 21 hours per a week in a care environment. They are also required to undertake essential skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT if they do not have GCSE Grade C or above in these subject areas. Employability qualifications are on offer to students as well as on-line courses to support their learning.
Learners must maintain employment within an appropriate Health and Social Care setting throughout the duration of the programme and comply with College, employer, OCN NI and NISCC requirements where applicable.
P3399DF10A
Session Code
2 Year(s)
Duration
Apprenticeships
Mode of Study
6.75
Hours per Week
34
Number of Weeks
Interview Required
26/27
Academic Year
01/09/2026
Start Date
Subject to Timetable
Day/s
laura.anderson@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?
P3399EF10A
kathryn.mavitty@swc.ac.uk
P3399OF10A
ciara.magee@swc.ac.uk
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