Health and social care - level 3 apprenticeship framework
This framework sets out the standards and criteria you must meet to complete the apprenticeship programme and receive your apprenticeship certificate for level three health and social care. This is the only level 3 training in this skill acceptable for apprenticeshipsni funding.
About the framework
This framework specifies the standards and the criteria for the delivery of level 3 apprenticeship training to achieve qualified status within the health and social care industry.
Successful completion of the apprenticeship will lead to the award of a level 3 qualification and recognition as a qualified person within the industry sector.
Mandatory outcomes
Achievement of a level 3 apprenticeship in health and social care will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.
You must complete both a competence and knowledge-based qualification, along with the mandatory essential skills qualifications.
Mandatory essential skills
To successfully complete the apprenticeship, apprentices must achieve the following essential skills qualifications as part of the apprenticeship, or already hold a recognised equivalent:
- application of number – level 2
- communication – level 2
- information and communication technology – level 2
However, any qualifications you already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.
Competence and knowledge qualifications
Apprentices need to complete both a competence-based and a knowledge-based qualification, chosen from the lists below.
Competence-based qualification:
- City & Guilds level 3 diploma in health and social care (Northern Ireland) 603/5087/8
- BIIAB Level 3 diploma in health and social care (Northern Ireland) 603/5213/9
- NCFE CACHE level 3 diploma in health and social care (adults) (Northern Ireland) 603/4724/7
- OCN NI Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland) 603/6716/7
Knowledge-based qualification:
Eligibility and entry to the programme
You must be employed to take part in the programme.
Employment is at the discretion of the employer who may have specific expectations in terms of qualifications or other criteria.
Entry to the level 3 apprenticeship is by progression from the apprenticeshipsni Level 2 framework in health and social care.
You may also enter the level 3 apprenticeship, subject to assessment by the training contractor and employer, if you've:
- already gained significant work experience in this occupational area, which could be considered as meeting the requirements of the level 2 health and social care framework and also demonstrate the capacity to achieve a level 3 standard
- previously achieved a relevant level 2 recognised vocational qualification that is a mandatory requirement of the current apprenticeshipsni level 2 health and social care framework
See also the DfE apprenticeship guidelines and operational requirements for eligibility information.
Related knowledge
You must complete a suitable employee rights and responsibilities (ERR) workbook. Framework certification is issued on confirmation from training contractors that the ERR has been completed.
Responsibilities
It's the responsibility of the training contractor/college to make sure all components of this framework are delivered in line with apprenticeshipsni operational requirements.
The apprentice must be employed from day one.
Further information
The content of this framework (Framework No 338 Issue 13: 01/24) has been agreed by the Department for the Economy. For further information, contact: