Apprenticeships

The Government supports the development of the adult social care workforce through a range of apprenticeship programmes, enabling people to gain qualifications and experience while working. Apprenticeships are available from entry-level care roles through to leadership and professional occupations, helping employers recruit, retain and develop staff.


Key objectives

  • Attract new entrants into adult social care
  • Develop the skills of existing staff
  • Create clear career progression routes
  • Support recruitment and retention
  • Build a skilled and sustainable workforce


Main adult social care apprenticeship pathways

The apprenticeship offer includes progression from frontline care roles into management and professional careers:

  • Adult Care Worker (Level 2) – entry route into the care sector
  • Lead Adult Care Worker (Level 3) – develops supervisory and frontline leadership skills
  • Lead Practitioner in Adult Care (Level 4) – supports advanced practice and specialist responsibilities
  • Leader in Adult Care (Level 5) – prepares managers and leaders to run adult care services and lead teams
  • Professional routes including Nursing Associate, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and Registered Nurse apprenticeships


Key benefits

...for employers

  • Develop staff through structured, work-based learning
  • Access apprenticeship funding support
  • Build leadership capability from within the organisation
  • Improve recruitment and staff retention
  • Create recognised career pathways linked to workforce development plans

...for the workforce

  • Earn while learning
  • Gain nationally recognised qualifications
  • Develop new skills and specialist expertise
  • Progress from care roles into leadership and professional careers


Relationship to wider workforce reforms

Apprenticeships complement the Care Workforce Pathway and wider workforce reform programme by providing practical development routes aligned to career progression within adult social care. Together, they support the professionalisation of the sector and help build a stronger domestic workforce.

Oxfordshire Opportunities


Finding an Apprenticeship in Oxfordshire

Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of sectors, including adult social care, and can support both new entrants and existing staff to develop their skills whilst earning a wage. Opportunities range from entry-level roles through to leadership and management pathways.

Useful links

*A general Government service rather than a source of apprentices


Support for Oxfordshire Employers

Enterprise Oxfordshire Skills provides fully funded, impartial support to employers looking to establish or develop apprenticeship programmes. Support includes guidance on apprenticeship funding, training providers, levy transfers and successful apprenticeship delivery.

Find out more


Growth and Skills Levy Support

Enterprise Oxfordshire helps employers access and transfer Growth and Skills Levy funding. This can enable smaller adult social care providers to access apprenticeship funding that might otherwise be unavailable to them. Since launching, the programme has supported apprenticeship starts across Oxfordshire through levy transfers from larger employers.

Find out more


Adult Social Care Apprenticeships

Adult social care providers can use apprenticeships to recruit and develop staff at all levels, including:

  • Adult Care Worker (Level 2)
  • Lead Adult Care Worker (Level 3)
  • Lead Practitioner in Adult Care (Level 4)
  • Leader in Adult Care (Level 5)

Apprenticeships can support career progression from frontline care roles through to leadership and management positions.


In Oxfordshire, apprenticeships complement:


Part of the Oxfordshire Adult Social Care Workforce Initiatives Library