Adult social care tops the nation’s choice for apprenticeships

New figures released recently show how apprenticeships in the adult social care sector continue to take healthy leaps forward.

During the past year, there were 91,630 apprenticeships starts, an increase of 4 per cent from 2015/16. In fact, there were more starts in adult social care than on any other apprenticeship programme according to the Skills for Care report.

The figures have been released by Skills for Care, the organisation who sets the standards and qualifications for health and social care workers, in an analysis of data gathered by the Education and Skills Funding Agency,

Damian Burdin, Chief Executive at Progress to Excellence Ltd, said:

“I am delighted with these figures showing that more social care professionals are choosing the apprenticeship route as a way of training. There are currently around 90,000 job vacancies in the UK health and social care sector – and that figure is set to rise, meaning a flexible and affordable training solution is needed, and that is just what we offer.

Of all the new apprenticeship starts in 2016/17, the highest number – amounting to 50 per cent were in the 25 to 44 age group. A total of 26 per cent were aged under 24 and the remaining 24 per cent were aged 45 and over. These figures highlight that apprenticeships really are for everyone.

During this period, 70 per cent of apprentices achieved their learning aim compared to 60 per cent in 2015/16 and 57 per cent in 2014/15.

Damian Burdin added:

“What’s apparent here is that this career path is being chosen by an increasing number of people who have a commitment to working in health and social care. They can earn whilst they learn, and gain practical skills to supply the sector with a much needed highly trained workforce.”

Progress to Excellence Ltd offers a suite of health and social care qualifications including the Adult Care Worker standard at level 2, the Lead Adult Care Worker standard at level 3 and the Leadership and Management in Care qualification at level 5.

These qualifications are suitable for roles across the sector, from those in operations all the way up to managerial roles.

More information can be found here or call one of our team on 0151 650 6933.

The full report Apprenticeships in Adult Social Care 2016/17, a Skills for Care analysis of Education and Skills Funding Agency data, can be seen here.