Please note, to enrol on an apprenticeship you must be working in a relevant sector for at least 16 hours per week. If you are not currently employed, you can view our apprenticeship vacancies here. You do not need to be employed to apply for these and new vacancies are added regularly.
Learners who undertake the Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship should help adults in care and support the needs to achieve their personal goals and live as independently and safely as possible. Lead Adult Care Workers have responsibility for providing supervision, frontline leadership, guidance, and direction for others, or working autonomously, exercising judgement and accountability.
This apprenticeship is suited for a range of job titles, including: Care Officer, Care Supervisor, Senior Care Worker, Supervising Care Worker, Senior Support Worker, Social Services Officer, Community Support Worker, Personal Assistant and more! These could all specialise in a variety of areas such as learning disability, mental health, drug and alcohol misuse, homecare, dementia, and end-of-life care.
Lead Adult Care Workers will in some circumstances have a responsibility for the standard of care provided and may supervise the work of other care workers. This exercising of autonomy and accountability means leading and supporting others to comply with expected standards and behaviours.
These are personal attributes and behaviours expected from all Adult Care Workers carrying out their roles. Individuals should be caring, compassionate, committed and demonstrate effective communication skills in the workplace.
Learners without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this prior to taking their End Point Assessment.
The Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker qualification consists of two assessment methods:
The performance in the Learners End Point Assessment will determine their overall apprenticeship standard and grade.
Here is the Skills England Page that details the full standard for this apprenticeship including the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours that learners must demonstrate.
The Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised work based programme for experienced care professionals ready to step into a senior frontline role. It includes the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care and is suitable for existing care staff looking to formalise their skills or progress into team leader and supervisory positions.
The apprenticeship typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete, depending on experience and progress. Apprentices remain employed throughout, receive support from a dedicated PTS tutor, and complete off the job training during paid working hours.
Apprentices never pay for their training. For non-levy employers, apprenticeship training for apprentices aged 16 to 24 is fully government funded from August 2026, with no employer contribution required. For apprentices aged 25 and over, employers contribute just 5%, currently £200 plus VAT, with the government funding the remaining 95%.
You must be employed in a suitable adult social care role where you can demonstrate leadership skills and the responsibilities required by the apprenticeship standard. Functional Skills support in maths and English can be provided where needed, and an enhanced DBS check will be required.
The apprenticeship leads to senior roles including Senior Care Worker, Team Leader, Care Coordinator, and supervisory positions within adult social care. It also supports progression into specialist care areas, higher level leadership qualifications, and management programmes within the health and social care sector.
