Health and social care - level 2 apprenticeship framework

About the framework

This framework specifies the standards and the criteria for the delivery of level 2 apprenticeship training to achieve qualified status within the health and social care industry.

If you successfully complete the apprenticeship, you'll be awarded a level 2 qualification and be recognised as a qualified person within the industry sector.

Mandatory outcomes

Achievement of a level 2 apprenticeship in health and social care will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.

You must complete both the competence and knowledge-based qualification, along with the mandatory essential skills qualifications.

Mandatory essential skills

To successfully complete the apprenticeship, you must achieve the following essential skills qualifications as part of the apprenticeship or already hold a recognised equivalent:

• application of number – level 1
• communication – level 1
• information and communication technology – level 1

However, any qualifications you already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.

Competency and knowledge qualifications

Apprentices need to complete both a competency-based and a knowledge-based qualification, from the list below.

Competence-based qualification:

• BIIAB level 2 diploma in health and social care (Northern Ireland) 603/5212/7

• NCFE CACHE level 2 diploma in health and social care (adults) (Northern Ireland) 603/4401/5

• City & Guilds level 2 diploma in health and social care (Northern Ireland) 603/5088/X

• BIIAB level 2 diploma in health and social care (adults) for Wales and Northern Ireland 601/6856/0

• OCN NI Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland) 603/7209/6

Knowledge-based qualification:

• BIIAB level 2 certificate in Induction into adult social care in Northern Ireland 601/8995/2  

• OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Induction to Working in Adult Social Care in Northern Ireland 610/0118/1

• OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice 610/4747/8

• ProQual Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice 610/4820/3

• SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice 610/4846/X

Eligibility and entry to the programme

You must be employed to take part in the programme.

There are no formal entry requirements for learners to take part in this apprenticeship, although employers may apply their own criteria at recruitment.

Employers and contractors must make sure that learners have the potential and opportunity to gain the apprenticeship successfully.

See also the DfE operational requirements for eligibility information.

Related knowledge

For this framework, the participant is required to 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 training contractor/ college's responsibility to make sure that 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 19 Issue 15: 10/24) has been agreed by the Department for the Economy.

For further information, contact:

• Department for the Economy - Apprenticeships Delivery and Performance Branch