Key update from  Realise

New Level 3 Apprenticeships

Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker

A new levy-funded apprenticeship has been launched for adult care support workers who assist people with complex and challenging behaviour in clinical and community based mental health services.

Leading training provider Realise has partnered with national care giant Barchester Hospitals to develop its new Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship, which features a specialist mental health pathway.

Who is it suitable for?

The apprenticeship aligns with The Care Workforce Pathway - developed by Skills for Care and the Department of Health and Social Care – which emphasises the importance of equipping staff who support people with mental ill health with the right knowledge and skills.

The programme’s focus on mental health makes it ideal for those working in complex care services or supporting individuals in the community, living with distressed behaviours or mental health conditions. It also benefits those supporting individuals with a dual diagnosis.

How is it funded?

Standard apprenticeship funding rules apply with no age restrictions. However, learners aged 16–22 are eligible for 100% government funding, meaning non-levy employers are not required to pay the usual 5% co-investment. This is available in England only.

Co-designed with Barchester Hospitals

While a few other providers offer the Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship in Mental Health Pathway, the Realise programme was developed in collaboration with leading industry provider Barchester Healthcare, ensuring it is closely aligned with the real-world demands of the role, particularly in complex care.

Angela Kaine, Director of Health & Social Care at Realise, said: “We fully support The Care Workforce Pathway, which emphasises the importance of people being able to receive training in areas in which they specialise.

“Care workers supporting individuals with severe distressed behaviours or other mental health conditions benefit greatly from targeted training in crisis intervention, mental capacity and de-escalation techniques.

“Offering this apprenticeship can help adult care providers recruit individuals for specialised roles and improve retention - two major challenges within the sector.

“There is a wide variety of opportunities within adult care, and we’re proud to support those looking to develop both their technical skills and their chosen specialism.”

How will staff learn?

This comprehensive apprenticeship can be completed in as little as 8 months or up to 18 months, and is designed to provide a rich and supportive learning experience. Learners will benefit from a blend of face-to-face support and interactive webinars, creating the perfect balance between in-person guidance and flexible online learning.

These sessions not only enhance understanding but also offer valuable opportunities to connect, collaborate, and network with peers from across the sector- helping to build confidence, share best practices, and develop lasting professional relationships.

What will staff learn?

Modules include quality improvement - where learners are challenged to identify small changes to enhance performance - and team leadership, which encourages them to take on more responsibilities.

Staff will be able to identify distressed body language and possible triggers for a service user, as well as what works to calm them down and ultimately implement an individualised care plan.

Here is a full overview of what learners can expect to cover during the programme:

Support and understand individuals with mental health needs and distress

Develop person-centred care plans and carry out risk assessments

Gain practical skills: physiological measurements, basic life support

Understand health & safety, quality improvement, and leadership

Involve individuals, carers and families in care

Train in supervision and role modelling

Safeguarding and confidentiality practices

Mental health recovery practices and building a therapeutic relationship

Quality improvement principles and investigatory techniques

Achieve a nationally recognised TQUK L3 Diploma in Healthcare Support Work

CPD and reflective practice to enhance your professional skills

Tailored to your unique adult care provision

Realise can tailor programmes to suit the employer’s needs by utilising unit selection through the diploma.

The apprenticeship is available throughout England.

In the coming months, Realise will be releasing more specialist apprenticeship programmes - including a Level 3 Adult Nursing Support pathway. 

Find out more about this FREE Specialist Mental Health apprenticeship

https://realisetraining.com/courses/senior-support-worker-apprenticeship?hsLang=en&utm_source=WMCA&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=wmca_SHSW