Everything you need to know about Care Apprenticeships
If you’ve recently finished school and are thinking about what’s next, it can feel overwhelming. University isn’t for everyone, and not everyone wants a desk job. If you’re looking for a career where you can earn, grow, and genuinely make a difference, a career in care could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Care apprenticeships offer a practical, hands-on way to build skills, confidence, and qualifications while doing meaningful paid work every day. It’s a career path with real purpose.
Why apprenticeships are a smart move
Apprenticeships are all about learning through action. Instead of sitting in a classroom to learn the skills you need, you’re out there gaining real experience while working towards a recognised qualification.
Whether you have existing responsibilities caring for family members, children or are looking for an alternative way to continue your education that doesn’t involve taking on student loans. Apprenticeships are a great opportunity to earn while you learn, gain confidence and develop the skills that will stay with you for life. For many people, this approach feels more practical, more motivating, and more rewarding.
In as little as 12 months you can gain a nationally recognised qualification which could provide a perfect stepping stone for your career in care.
Who are Adult Care Apprenticeships for?
Adult Care Apprenticeships are for people who want to start a career where they can make a real difference every day. They’re ideal if you’re interested in supporting adults to live independently, safely, and with choice and control over their own lives.
You’ll work towards a Diploma in Care, learning on the job while building the skills, confidence, and values needed to deliver high quality, compassionate care. Extra support with English and Maths is available if needed.
If you’re caring, reliable, and motivated to help others this apprenticeship is a great first step into a rewarding career with plenty of opportunities to grow.
What you’ll get from doing an apprenticeship alongside working in care
A paid role from day one. You’ll earn a wage and get holiday pay whilst building your career.
Real world experience. You’ll learn on the job, supported by experienced professionals who want to see you succeed.
Recognised qualifications. Work towards nationally recognised Adult Care Worker qualifications with our approved apprenticeship provider partners (available in Level 2-5).
Clear career progression. Apprenticeships can lead to senior, specialist, and leadership roles.
Long term job security. Care is a growing sector with consistent demand and your skills will always be needed.
So, what does a career in care look like?
Care is far more varied than people often expect. Depending on your interests, you could work in:
- Home care, supporting people to live independently in their own homes. This is the majority of the work we offer here at Cera.
- Extra care or supported living, to provide care support for people within a supported living home or building with multiple units. We operate a number of these units across the UK.
- Residential care, supporting older adults or people with physical disabilities in a care home. In this role, you’ll help people with everyday tasks like getting dressed, eating, or staying active, while also encouraging them to enjoy hobbies, social activities, and the routines that matter most to them.
- Live-in care, providing 24 hour care to someone within their own home, often with complex care needs. This type of care role often requires some care experience so it may be that you look to step into a role like this once you’ve gained experience in another area.
- Complex care, working with people of all ages who have highly individual or challenging care needs. This could include physical, medical, or multiple support requirements.
- Mental health services, helping people maintain wellbeing, manage challenges, and work towards recovery. You would be part of a supportive team making a real difference in their day-to-day life.
- Learning disability support, empowering individuals to live fulfilling, independent lives. You’ll help people develop skills, enjoy hobbies, and participate in their communities.
No matter the setting, the heart of care is always going to be the same. Supporting people with compassion, respect, and dignity.
Is care right for you?
You don’t need previous experience or qualifications to succeed in care. What matters most to us here at Cera is who you are. You might be a great fit if you’re:
- Kind, empathetic, and people-focused
- Patient and resilient when things get challenging
- Reliable and committed
- Comfortable communicating with different people
If you like helping others and want a career where you can see the impact you’re making, care can be incredibly rewarding.
Where could this take you?
One of the biggest benefits of care apprenticeships is how far they can take you. Many people start with an entry level qualification and go on to become: Senior Carers or Team Leaders
- Specialists in areas like dementia or complex care
- Managers and leaders within care organisations
- Or even progress into further education, such as nursing or social work
Your starting point doesn’t define your destination.
As Lorena, a Registered Manager who completed a Level 5 Apprenticeship with us, puts it:
It can feel daunting at the start, looking ahead at all the modules you’re going to learn. But time flies and you really do learn so much along the way - you’re continuously learning. I didn’t think I would be able to achieve anything, but now I have an amazing job and have grown so much. If I had one piece of advice, it would be to believe in yourself.
You are always able to learn and grow.
