Social care apprentice placement guidance for Health and Social Care Levels 2 and 3 Adults and Children and Young People qualifications

There are three pathways:

• Adults
• Children and young people
• Combined adults and children and young people

The apprentice will choose the pathway that’s appropriate to their role:

• If the apprentice is completing the adult only or children and young people only pathway, they will complete five of the seven sections of the AWIF:
  • working with adults, apprentices need to complete sections 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7
  • working with children and young people, apprentices need to complete sections 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
• If the apprentice is working with both adults and children and young people, they should complete all seven sections of the AWIF.

The apprentice should complete all the core knowledge learning outcomes, and the practice elements that are specific to their role.

There’s guidance about completing the AWIF on our website:

• Guidance for managers and employers
• Guidance for workers

There’s also detailed information about the All Wales induction framework.

There are two qualifications needed to work in social care. These are:

• Level 2 Core

plus

• Level 2 or 3 Practice

The level of the practice qualifications will depend on the apprentice's role. These qualifications assess the skills and knowledge needed to do the job.

The link between the AWIF, Core and Practice qualifications

The AWIF, Core and Practice qualifications are made up of a set of learning outcomes that apprentices will be assessed against. The learning outcomes in the AWIF and Core qualification are mirrored. The focus is on what the apprentices needs to know, which are the knowledge learning outcomes. The Practice learning outcomes focus on how workers have built up their knowledge and understanding and start putting that into practice.

At this point in the apprentice’s learning journey they won’t have been formally assessed for the induction. The assessment and judgements will have been made in the workplace by the employer only.

To achieve the Core and Practice qualifications, the apprentice will need to complete the full City & Guilds formal assessment process. Details of how qualifications are formally assessed are in the Core and practice qualifications section.

As with AWIF and Core qualification, you would expect to see different knowledge and understanding from the apprentice at induction stage compared to 12 to 18 months into their apprenticeship role as a social care worker.

The Practice qualification is when the apprentice is assessed in their work role. There are some practice learning outcomes in the AWIF that are set to measure an apprentice’s practice at induction stage. These learning outcomes are mirrored in the Practice qualification, when the assessment is more detailed because the apprentice is more experienced and knowledgeable.

When planning for their formal assessment, assessors of the qualifications are expected to take into consideration learning that has already taken place as part of a new apprentice’s induction, for example, training attended, completion of the AWIF workbooks.

The Core qualification covers the fundamental knowledge and understanding a social care apprentice needs for their role. It provides learning that helps the apprentice to complete their practice qualification.

The content of the Core qualification mirrors the sections and knowledge elements of the AWIF. This means that the new apprentice starts building the learning they need from day one, not just for their new job role, but also for the formal assessment of the Core qualification.

Everything that would normally be covered, such as the purpose of policies and procedures, job descriptions, the Professional Code of Practice, health and safety, safeguarding, and principles and values, are incorporated into both the induction and the Core qualification.

The AWIF workbooks, which include activities and case studies, help to prepare new workers for the assessment of the Core qualification.

The Level 2 Health and Social Care: Core qualification has three different pathways:

• adults
• children and young people
• combined adults and children and young people

It gives the apprentice the chance to complete a single pathway focused on either adults or children and young people, or a combined pathway that covers both routes. The apprentice must successfully complete all the assessments to achieve their qualification.

An apprentice, together with their manager and learning provider, will choose the pathway that’s appropriate to their role.

The apprentice shouldn’t be expected to repeat any learning unnecessarily during their apprenticeship programme.

The assessment of the Core qualification is through a formally assessed multi choice question test.

• To achieve the adults, or children and young people Core qualification pathways, apprentices must pass one externally-set, externally-marked multi choice test.
• To achieve the combined adults and children and young people Core qualification pathway, apprentices must pass two externally-set, externally-marked multi choice tests.

The test is a multi choice question paper that has been developed by the awarding organisation. The questions are connected to the content of the units within the qualification and pathway they’re completing. The apprentice can choose to take their test on-screen or on paper. Tests are graded pass or fail, and the apprentice must pass to be awarded the Core qualification. The test takes place under invigilated examination conditions as set out by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

For more information about conducting exams see JCQ requirements for details.

The apprentice should only be put forward for formal assessment of the Core when both the manager and assessor are confident the apprentice is sufficiently competent to successfully complete the assessment. This should be at a point following most of the learning delivery. This confirmation that the apprentice is ready for assessment is an important stage for the apprentice, manager and assessor to contribute to.

As well as the Core qualification, a Level 2 or 3 Health and Social Care: Practice qualification is also a requirement for practice and registration with Social Care Wales.

The Core qualification can support apprentices to progress into further study of the following qualifications within the suite of Health and Social Care qualifications for Wales:

• Level 2 Health and Social Care: Practice (adults)
• Level 3 Health and Social Care: Practice (adults)
• Level 3 Health and Social Care: Practice (children and young people)

But, to progress onto the Practice qualifications, the apprentice needs to be in a suitable role to provide evidence of competence for these qualifications, so progression isn’t automatic.

The Practice qualification builds on the knowledge gained from the Core qualification. Social care apprentices are expected to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical and meaningful way, showing their ability to provide high-quality care, engage with individuals, and adapt to the unique needs of individuals and communities.

The assessment of this qualification needs close partnership working between the apprentice, manager and assessor. 

The main assessment methods within this qualification are a series of planned tasks, which include:

• a reflective log
• a portfolio of evidence, to include workplace documents, records of consent, progress meeting notes and witness testimonies
• planning forms
• workplace records
• observation of work practice records
• activity review records 
• assessor-led discussion notes.

The assessment activities are designed to allow for holistic evidence collection. This means that the apprentice’s evidence will be collected from real working situations that show they can work confidently and consistently across all aspects of the qualification more than once.  

The structured tasks will support the apprentice to show their knowledge and skills across different units and learning outcomes and integrate the knowledge and skills in a way that reflects workplace and sector requirements to provide effective care and support.  

Preparing for the Practice qualification involves a more hands-on approach and is called ‘on-the-job’ learning. This may include shadowing experienced practitioners, participating in real-life case studies, and actively working with individuals.

As well as practical experience, apprentices should take part in ongoing supervision and reflective practice to refine their skills and apply what they’ve learnt during their Core qualification. It’s essential that apprentices have access to mentors and supervisors to make sure they meet the required standards and competencies

Apprentices should only be put forward for assessment when both the manager and assessor are confident the apprentice is competent to successfully complete the assessment. This should be at a point after most of the learning delivery and following a programme of ongoing and formative assessment. 

Formative assessment monitors the apprentices' learning and provides ongoing feedback to the apprentice, assessor and employer. It is assessment for learning, it helps identify the apprentices' strengths, weaknesses and learning needs along the way and assess how to meet those learning needs, 

The manager should understand the internal processes of the workplace, such as documentation and communication systems. The managers should be able to assess whether the apprentice is using them appropriately and if they’re ready for assessment.

Although it’s not mandatory, the best practice approach is for the assessor to complete two observations of the apprentice to confirm they’re ready for assessment and to make sure they’re applying all the Core knowledge in their work (formative assessment). They will then carry out the formal (summative) assessments (tasks set by City & Guilds).

Summative assessment takes place after the learning has been completed and provides information and feedback that evaluates the teaching and learning process.

It evaluates the apprentices' learning at the end by comparing it against the qualification standards.

The purpose of formative assessments is to improve learning, while the purpose of summative assessments is to gain a measure of attainment

The apprentice will be expected to continue to learn throughout their qualification journey. They’ll be encouraged to develop reflective skills from the beginning, as early as the Core qualification.

There will be observations at different points, and the apprentice will be expected to reflect on each observation, learn from their experience and improve their practice for the next observation. They will also be expected to draw on their knowledge from the Core qualification throughout the whole of the Practice qualification, to develop into a confident and competent worker.

At the end of a successful assessment, training providers should request certification for the qualification.

Initial registration and unit selection

The employer/manager supports the apprentice to understand the unit options available and helps select the optional units that are most relevant to the apprenticeship role.

Learning period

• The employer/manager supports the apprentice through the process of on-the-job learning and training, including making any reasonable adjustments.
• The employer/manager makes sure the apprentice and their well-being are supported through ‘normal’ workplace monitoring and continuing professional development (CPD) activities, such as attending regular one to ones/supervision and updating reflective logs (which is a mandatory requirement for assessment). They should provide continuous feedback and evaluation of the apprentice’s learning.

Assessment / observations  

• The employer/manager will liaise with the assessor to determine when the apprentice is ready for assessment.
• The assessor may want to carry out assessments and discuss the outcome with the manager to let them know about or confirm ‘readiness for assessment’ or identify any further development or support needs.

Before the assessment, the employer/manager will meet with the apprentice and assessor to:

• confirm and clarify if needed, their understanding of assessment requirements, including mapping outcomes and process expectations
• hold an initial candidate checkpoint meeting before assessment to discuss and plan unit choices, summative assessment plans and timelines
• identify and agree any reasonable adjustments needed for learning
• agree how the apprentice’s well-being will be supported during the qualification
• carry out agreed workplace activities on an ongoing basis throughout the assessment period, for example, regular progress meetings
• provide continuous feedback and evaluation of their learning
• discuss and support the apprentice to identify the best evidence for their portfolio and reflective log
• review the apprentice’s final plans to confirm and sign off relevant paperwork.

Confirmation of decision 

The assessor meets with the manager and apprentice to tell them about the assessment outcome. 

Both the Core and Practice social care qualifications in Wales highlight the importance of combining knowledge with practical experience. The preparation for these qualifications needs a commitment to continuous learning and development, as well as a dedication to upholding the principles of social care and providing the highest standard of care to individuals. 

Apprentices are responsible for making sure they’re fully committed to attending their appointments with their assessor.  

They must: 

• attend workshops and engage in their learning
• communicate with their manager and assessor
• complete self-study / self-directed work on time
• keep cancelled appointments to a bare minimum. 

If they fail to follow to these guidelines it will  make it more difficult for them to complete the qualification within the timeframe given, and training providers may make the decision to take them off programme. They must make progress every month to comply with the apprenticeship agreement. 

The apprentice is responsible for telling their manager and assessor about any learning support needs they have, so that extra support and reasonable adjustments can be made to remove barriers and help them reach their potential. 

Employers/managers/mentors should make sure that the apprentice has been signed-up to the right course, that’s relevant to their job role and that apprentice is able to show competency throughout.

Managers must support the apprentice by booking them onto workshops, assessments, essential skills off-the-job training and monthly assessment visits. This will involve managing the rota to make sure the apprentice is available.

Managers will look at the apprentice’s reflective logs and support them by providing continuous professional development and mandatory training.

They must liaise with the assessor and decide when the apprentice is ready for assessment, while providing support through one-to-ones and/or supervisions. They‘re also expected to complete monthly progress reviews. Managers must sign off the ‘candidate planning form’.

If the apprentice tells the manager they have learning support needs, the manager is responsible for making reasonable adjustments so the apprentice has the extra support needed.

A qualified assessor will support and mentor the apprentice throughout the whole learning programme. They will meet with the apprentice regularly to review progress and provide learning opportunities for the content of the Core qualification.

They may arrange for the apprentice to practice their multi choice questions and they’ll plan observations and a professional discussion. The assessor will support the apprentice to build a portfolio of evidence and provide the final sign off decision of the qualification.

Assessors may also support the apprentice to complete the Essential Skills Wales communication and application of number qualifications, which form part of the apprenticeship framework.

If the apprentice tells the learning provider/assessor that they have learning support needs, the learning provider/assessor is responsible for making reasonable adjustments so the apprentice has the extra support needed.

Foundation (Level 2)

• Literacy – minimum Level 1
• Numeracy – minimum Level 1
• Digital literacy – not required

Apprenticeship (Level 3)

• Literacy – minimum Level 2
• Numeracy – minimum Level 2
• Digital literacy – not required

Higher (Levels 4 and 5)

• Literacy – minimum Level 2
• Numeracy – minimum Level 2
• Digital literacy – minimum Level 2 (optional)

Here’s a summary of the assessment process for Essential Skills:

• initial assessment
• W.E.S.T assessment (Wales Essential Skills Toolkit)
• learning opportunities - workshop based, real life scenarios
• controlled tasks
• formal assessment.

The apprentice can be given extra help and support if they have additional learning needs. There’s more information in the additional learning needs section below.

In some circumstances, other qualifications achieved before starting an apprenticeship may be recognised as equivalent and used as evidence (proxies). This can mean that one or more of the Essential Skills Wales qualifications can be achieved by ‘proxy’.

You can find out more about acceptable evidence on the Apprenticeship Certification Wales website.

There’s more information about Essential Skills on the Qualifications Wales website.

Level 2 Health and social care Core

Guided Learning hours: 300 hours

Total qualification time: 320 hours

Level 2 Health and social care combined Core

Guided Learning hours: 480 hours

Total qualification time: 540 hours

To achieve the full health and social care apprenticeship framework at foundation level, the combined total hours of the technical knowledge qualification, occupational competency qualification and essential skills Wales qualification are:

On the job hours: 1138 hours

Off the job hours: 312 hours

Total funded training time: 1450 hours

Apprenticeship duration minimum: 12 months

Level 2 Health and social care Practice (Adults)

Guided Learning hours: 175 hours

Total qualification time: 350 hours

To achieve the full health and social care apprenticeship framework at foundation level, the combined total hours of the technical knowledge qualification, occupational competency qualification and essential skills Wales qualification are:

On the job hours: 1138 hours

Off the job hours: 312 hours

Total funded training time: 1450 hours

Apprenticeship duration minimum: 12 months

Minimum Level 1 Communication skills

Guided Learning hours: 60 hours

Total qualification time: 60 hours

Minimum Level 1 Application of number skills

Guided Learning hours: 60 hours

Total qualification time: 60 hours

To achieve the full health and social care apprenticeship framework at foundation level, the combined total hours of the technical knowledge qualification, occupational competency qualification and essential skills Wales qualification are:

On the job hours: 1138 hours

Off the job hours: 312 hours

Total funded training time: 1450 hours

Apprenticeship duration minimum: 12 months

Level 2 Health and Social Care Core (if not already achieved)

Guided Learning hours: 300 hours

Total qualification time: 320 hours

Level 2 Health and Social Care Combined Core (if not already achieved)

Guided Learning hours: 480 hours

Total qualification time: 540 hours

To achieve the full health and social care apprenticeship framework at apprenticeship level, the combined total hours of the technical knowledge qualification, occupational competency qualification and essential skills Wales qualification are: 

On the job hours: 1682 hours

Off the job hours: 312 hours

Total funded training time: 1994 hours

Apprenticeship duration minimum: 18 months

Level 3 Health and social care Practice (Adults and Children and young people pathways)

Guided Learning hours: 240 hours

Total qualification time: 500 hours

To achieve the full health and social care apprenticeship framework at apprenticeship level, the combined total hours of the technical knowledge qualification, occupational competency qualification and essential skills Wales qualification are:

On the job hours: 1682 hours

Off the job hours: 312 hours

Total funded training time: 1994 hours

Apprenticeship duration minimum: 18 months

Please note: Guided learning hours and Total qualification time are the same for both L3 Adults or Children and young people

Minimum Level 2 Communication skills

Guided Learning hours: 60 hours

Total qualification time: 60 hours

Minimum Level 2 Application of number skills

Guided Learning hours: 70 hours

Total qualification time: 70 hours

To achieve the full health and social care apprenticeship framework at apprenticeship level, the combined total hours of the technical knowledge qualification, occupational competency qualification and essential skills Wales qualification are:

On the job hours: 1682 hours

Off the job hours: 312 hours

Total funded training time: 1994 hours

Apprenticeship duration minimum: 18 months

When an apprentice starts their qualification programme, the learning provider will ask them a series of questions to find out:

• the type of setting they work in
• how many hours they work per week
• the name of their employer
• their employment start date
• a description of any caring experience
• how long have they worked in care
• why they want to do the qualification
• if there’s anything preventing them completing the qualification, such as needing support, or additional learning needs (ALN).

The learning provider will give some of this information to the Welsh Government to access funding for the apprentice. They will also use the information to work individually with the apprentice to make sure their learning programme is right for them and supports them to achieve their qualification.

The learning provider should carry out an initial assessment of the apprentice to identify:

• prior learning that’s relevant to the qualifications.
• if they have any specific training needs or knowledge gaps. 

Assessors must make a judgement about any additional learning needed by the apprentice to support them to pass the formal assessment of the Core qualification and be ready for assessment of the Practice qualification.  

The apprentice may need to carry out some learning to make sure they have enough understanding and knowledge to be ready for assessment of the Core and Practice qualifications., This could involve off-the-job training.  

Apprentices can expect opportunities such as workshop sessions or online learning to prepare for assessment. If an apprentice has carried out on-the-job training as part of their All Wales induction framework, the Core qualification will enhance their learning. On and off-the-job training is described in the apprentice journey section above. 

The apprentice will have an initial checkpoint meeting with their manager and assessor to:

• identify and agree any reasonable adjustments needed for learning
• agree how the apprentice’s well-being will be supported during the qualification
• confirm the assessment process and discuss the job role responsibilities to be carried out
• discuss the links between the working role and the assessment, for example how practice promotes and supports the health and well-being of individuals
• match the working role to the unit requirements
• identify the optional units appropriate to the apprentice role
• agree how consent will be gained from individuals and their families/carers for the observations to take place, and how privacy and confidentiality will be maintained throughout the assessment process
• agree a timeframe for when assessments need to be completed, confirming a date for the planning meeting
• agree how the portfolio of evidence and reflective log will be managed
• plan a series of progress meetings to review day-to-day practice and reflections and identify portfolio evidence.

The apprentice will get an induction to their qualification, which takes place with the learning provider. This is when the apprentice finds out how they’ll work towards their qualification, and the learning provider explains how the apprenticeship will work. If the learning provider uses an e-portfolio system, this will be explained and set up. If they use a paper-based portfolio, this is provided at induction.

Induction to the programme covers:

• expectations around the qualifications at either Level 2 or Level 3
• expectations of the learning provider
• timetable of the course
• dates of workshops
• identifying and recognising prior learning and any knowledge gaps
• touchpoint meetings between the assessor, apprentice and manager
• multi choice question dates
• identifying the relevant practice qualification and timetable.

The apprentice will be able to ask any questions they may have, and the learning providers will explain the next steps.

• • Timescales for each part of the assessment process are agreed at the start, to support the apprentice to gain the qualification, and where relevant, to meet Social Care Wales registration requirements.
  • Progress is planned to be made steadily and not rushed to meet deadlines.
  • Decisions will be made about the apprentice’s readiness for assessment. Learning providers will show how the decisions are measured.
  • Judgement of the quality of the apprentice's knowledge, understanding and practice is essential to make sure they’re competent.
  • For providers, Welsh Government expects that reviews will take place at least every 61 days.
  • Awarding bodies and Qualifications Wales specify how many assessments are needed and specify the types of assessment tasks.