Career Progression

Many social care employers offer apprenticeships to existing employees as part of their professional development. This could be through one of the mainstream colleges or other training providers who offer an alternative to college.

Explore the wide range of apprenticeships available to develop a career in social care and health.

If you’re thinking of changing careers or getting back into higher education to progress your career in social care you may want to consider an Access to Higher Education (Level 3 Diploma) course in Health and Social Care.

This course is delivered in local centres across Cornwall and is open to all applicants who are aged 18 or over. To be eligible you must have a Level 2 (GSCE or equivalent) qualification in Maths and English, or be willing to study for this alongside your Access course. For more information and to apply visit Cornwall Council’s website.

Many Nursing homes across Cornwall grow and develop their nursing teams by supporting existing care staff through apprenticeships. If you’re already working in social care there are two key routes you can take into Nursing – the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship (2 years) or the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (4 years).

Visit our Nursing in Social Care page for more information.

Assistant practitioners help deliver high quality, patient-centred care in a variety of social care settings. They can support a registered nurse by undertaking specific tasks they have the skills, experience and training to carry out.

To become an Assistant Practitioner you will study for 2 years with an accredited further education establishment and obtain a qualification based on a level 5 foundation degree.