Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship Level 3
The Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship is designed for individuals with experience in healthcare who are ready to take on more responsibility and support registered practitioners in delivering high-quality, compassionate care. This programme prepares you to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, care homes, and community services.
As an apprentice, you’ll be employed in a healthcare setting while receiving structured training at Bolton College. The course typically lasts 18 months and equips you with the knowledge and skills to carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical tasks under supervision, while acting as a role model to junior staff
As an apprentice, you’ll be employed in a healthcare setting while receiving structured training at Bolton College. The course typically lasts 18 months and equips you with the knowledge and skills to carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical tasks under supervision, while acting as a role model to junior staff
Course Information
Course Type:
Apprenticeship
Study Mode:
Qualification:
Apprenticeship
Location:
Deane Road Campus
Course Code:
SD151-L3
Course Length:
Start Date:
Various start dates from August 2026
Subject Area:
HEALTHCARE, SCIENCE & EDUCATION
Overview
The Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship is designed for individuals with experience in healthcare who are ready to take on more responsibility and support registered practitioners in delivering high-quality, compassionate care. This programme prepares you to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, care homes, and community services.
As an apprentice, you’ll be employed in a healthcare setting while receiving structured training at Bolton College. The course typically lasts 18 months and equips you with the knowledge and skills to carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical tasks under supervision, while acting as a role model to junior staff
As an apprentice, you’ll be employed in a healthcare setting while receiving structured training at Bolton College. The course typically lasts 18 months and equips you with the knowledge and skills to carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical tasks under supervision, while acting as a role model to junior staff
What You'll Learn
You’ll develop advanced skills in supporting patients’ physical and mental health, assisting with clinical procedures, and promoting person-centred care. The course covers six core areas:
Health and wellbeing
Duty of care and candour, safeguarding, equality and diversity
Person-centred care, treatment and support
Communication
Personal, people and quality improvement
Health, safety and security
You’ll also follow a specialist pathway such as Adult Nursing Support, Maternity Support, Theatre Support, Mental Health Support, or Children and Young People Support
Health and wellbeing
Duty of care and candour, safeguarding, equality and diversity
Person-centred care, treatment and support
Communication
Personal, people and quality improvement
Health, safety and security
You’ll also follow a specialist pathway such as Adult Nursing Support, Maternity Support, Theatre Support, Mental Health Support, or Children and Young People Support
How Will I Be Assessed?
You’ll be assessed throughout the apprenticeship through group discussions, reflective tasks, and a portfolio of evidence. Your college tutor and employer will help you track your progress and prepare for your final assessment.
At the end of the programme, you’ll complete an End Point Assessment (EPA), which includes:
A multiple-choice and short-answer test
A practical observation
A learning journal and interview
These assessments confirm your competence and readiness to work independently as a Senior Healthcare Support Worker
At the end of the programme, you’ll complete an End Point Assessment (EPA), which includes:
A multiple-choice and short-answer test
A practical observation
A learning journal and interview
These assessments confirm your competence and readiness to work independently as a Senior Healthcare Support Worker
Entry Requirements
There are no formal qualifications needed to start the Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship—just prior experience working in a healthcare support role and a commitment to developing your skills. This programme is ideal for individuals who are ready to take on more responsibility and support others in their team.
However, some employers may set their own entry requirements. If you have not yet achieved a GCSE Grade 4/C (or equivalent) in English and Maths, you will be required to complete Functional Skills Level 2 in these subjects as part of your apprenticeship. Don’t worry—Bolton College will support you throughout your training
However, some employers may set their own entry requirements. If you have not yet achieved a GCSE Grade 4/C (or equivalent) in English and Maths, you will be required to complete Functional Skills Level 2 in these subjects as part of your apprenticeship. Don’t worry—Bolton College will support you throughout your training
I'm Interested, What Next?
If you’re interested in this apprenticeship, the first step is to register your interest with Bolton College. This will add you to our mailing list so we can keep you informed about any upcoming apprenticeship vacancies or employer opportunities in your chosen field.
To begin the apprenticeship, you’ll need to secure employment with an organisation willing to support you as an apprentice. While it is your responsibility to find and apply for suitable roles, Bolton College is here to help. We have a dedicated Job Shop located within the college, where you can meet with an Employer Engagement Advisor for tailored support and advice on how to apply for vacancies and prepare for interviews.
Job Shop Opening Times:
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 3:30pm
Email: Job.shop@Boltoncc.ac.uk
Tel: 01204 482182
To begin the apprenticeship, you’ll need to secure employment with an organisation willing to support you as an apprentice. While it is your responsibility to find and apply for suitable roles, Bolton College is here to help. We have a dedicated Job Shop located within the college, where you can meet with an Employer Engagement Advisor for tailored support and advice on how to apply for vacancies and prepare for interviews.
Job Shop Opening Times:
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 3:30pm
Email: Job.shop@Boltoncc.ac.uk
Tel: 01204 482182
Future Opportunities
After completing this apprenticeship, you’ll be qualified to work in roles such as Senior Healthcare Assistant, Maternity Support Worker, Mental Health Support Worker, or Theatre Assistant. You may also progress to higher-level roles such as Nursing Associate or Assistant Practitioner, or apply to university to become a registered healthcare professional.
Who Can I Speak To?
In the first instance please send a message to apprenticeships@boltoncc.ac.uk
How to Apply?
Click the ‘Express an Interest’ button on this page to express your interest.
You’ll be asked to set up a Learner Hub account, so that you can track your application. If we dont think you're ready for an Apprenticeship yet, we'll recommend a relevant Study Programme that could eventually lead to the Apprenticeship you're interested in.
If you have any difficulties setting up your Learner Hub account, please email admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk
You’ll be asked to set up a Learner Hub account, so that you can track your application. If we dont think you're ready for an Apprenticeship yet, we'll recommend a relevant Study Programme that could eventually lead to the Apprenticeship you're interested in.
If you have any difficulties setting up your Learner Hub account, please email admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk
Open Events
Open Events are your chance to experience Bolton College first-hand.
Register for one of the events below to chat to tutors, explore our facilities, and find out more about our amazing courses.
Visit boltoncollege.ac.uk/events to find an event and register.
Register for one of the events below to chat to tutors, explore our facilities, and find out more about our amazing courses.
- Wednesday 15th October 2025, 5pm-7pm
- Tuesday 18th November 2025, 5pm-7pm
- Monday 15th December 2025, 5pm-7pm
- Wednesday 9th February 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Thursday 12th March 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Tuesday 12th May 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Thursday 18th June 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Walk In Day, Thursday 2nd July 2026, 9am-4pm
Visit boltoncollege.ac.uk/events to find an event and register.
Supporting Your Learning
We have a range of dedicated support and wellbeing services including FREE travel, financial support, and impartial advice and guidance. Throughout your Apprenticeship, you’ll also receive one-to-one support from your dedicated Work Based Tutor, helping you to achieve your ambitions
Why Choose Us?
We’re an elite College, and part of the University of Bolton Group, offering you a gateway to all of Greater Manchester’s vast range of fantastic opportunities for specialist careers, university degree courses and higher Apprenticeships.
We’ll reward your achievements with trips to The Anderton Outdoor Activity Centre and the opportunity to apply for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Our £75 million campus offers a refurbished fitness suite and sports hall; Apple Mac suites; libraries, a lecture theatre; hair and beauty salon; and a restaurant, café and canteen.
You’ll also enjoy a wide range of events, including showcases, enterprise activities and cultural celebrations.
We’ll reward your achievements with trips to The Anderton Outdoor Activity Centre and the opportunity to apply for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Our £75 million campus offers a refurbished fitness suite and sports hall; Apple Mac suites; libraries, a lecture theatre; hair and beauty salon; and a restaurant, café and canteen.
You’ll also enjoy a wide range of events, including showcases, enterprise activities and cultural celebrations.
English and maths classes - for adults and young people who want that grade or confidence boost.
What Our Students Say
Anna Shephard
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‘I was so proud to be part of a team that won the GMCG Skills Competition. I was even prouder when I achieved a Distinction Star on my course.’
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Lucy Boardman
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‘The army visited our kitchens and challenged us to create a three-course meal out of ration kits. My team won!’







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