Course overview
The Lead Adult Care Worker programme is designed for frontline care staff who support adults with care and support needs to achieve their personal goals and live as independently and safely as possible. This programme is ideal for those working in diverse settings such as residential or nursing homes, domiciliary care, day centres, or clinical healthcare environments. It also suits those specialising in areas including learning disabilities, mental health, drug and alcohol misuse, homecare, dementia, or end-of-life care.
Throughout the programme, learners will develop essential knowledge in areas such as duty of care, diversity and inclusion, effective communication, safeguarding, and promoting health and wellbeing. They will also focus on enhancing their own professional development to build the skills and behaviours needed to provide high-quality care. This includes gaining the ability to supervise, lead, guide, and support others confidently and competently.
By completing this programme, learners will be equipped to work autonomously with sound judgement and accountability, excelling in frontline leadership roles within the adult care sector. They will be prepared to make a positive impact on the lives of those they support, while advancing their own career in care.
The learner journey
1. 16 months on-programme – This is when the individual will learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours which will support them for their End-Point Assessment. The learner could partake in a combination of activities, such as classroom based sessions, mentoring, shadowing, bespoke resources and off-site visits in order to support their learning and development.
From 1 August 2025, apprentices must complete at least 187 hours of off-the-job (OTJ) training over a minimum of 8 months, with some standards requiring more for those without prior learning. Learn more about OTJ training hours.
2. Gateway – After the 16 months teaching and learning, you, your training provider and the learner will review the learners journey and decide whether it is the right time for the on-programme assessment.
3. End-Point Assessment – This is when your learner will need to demonstrate they have learnt the required knowledge, skills and behaviours, through an on demand knowledge test, a professional discussion, practical observation and business project.
Eligibility
Those with an annual wage bill of less than £3m do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy. Instead, 95% of each apprenticeship is funded by the government whilst a 5% investment is required by the employer to enhance the skills of their employee.
- Employers are also be eligible for a £1000 incentive payment if the apprentice is aged 16–18.
- Employers with less than 50 employees and where the apprentice is aged 16–18, the government will fund 100% of the apprentice and are eligible for a £1000 incentive payment.
- Employers with those aged 19+ the government will continue to fund 95% of the apprenticeship programme whilst a 5% investment is required by the employer.
Businesses can manage this through the Apprenticeship Service online account.
Find out more
To learn additional information about this apprenticeship, you can explore our Course Sheet or Learner Journey.
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