Care
Earn while you learn with a Healthcare Support or Social Services Modern Apprenticeship.
NESCol offers three Modern Apprenticeships (MA) in Care:
These MAs are fully based in the workplace, and combine paid employment with flexible learning through NESCol.
Apprentices gain industry-recognised qualifications while building practical workplace skills.
Apprenticeship overviews
Healthcare Support
The Healthcare Support Modern Apprenticeship is designed for people who want to develop their skills and and progress in a non-clinical role in the health sector.
These roles include:
- Direct service provision involving contact with patients and members of the public, such as reception staff and porters.
- Managing patient data, including health records and appointments.
- Maintaining premises or equipment used by patients, such as maintenance staff and domestic services staff.
- Preparing and delivering goods or services directly for/to service users, such as preparing or serving food.
4,004
Healthcare Modern Apprentices started in Scotland in 2025/26¹
The Healthcare Support MA framework outlines what apprentices need to learn and achieve to complete their apprenticeship.
It includes:
- One Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) at Level 2 (SCQF Level 6) or Level 3 (SCQF Level 7)
- Core Skills
Download the Healthcare Support MA framework diagram
The framework documents provide a full overview of the Healthcare Support MA.
SCQF levels show the overall level of learning of the MA.
SCQF Level 6
Apprentices develop the skills and experience to work independently and take responsibility for day-to-day tasks.
SCQF Level 7
Apprentices build advanced technical skills and knowledge, with greater responsibility for their own work as well as others.
A typical Healthcare Support MA lasts up to two years.
This MA is fully work-based.
The Sector Skills Council for the Healthcare Support MA is Skills for Health.
Social Services (Children and Young People)
The Social Services (Children and Young People) Modern Apprenticeship is for people who work with children and young people in settings such as day care services, out-of-school care and residential care.
2,901
Children and Young People Modern Apprentices started in Scotland in 2025/26²
The Social Services (Children and Young People) MA framework outlines what apprentices need to learn and achieve to complete their apprenticeship.
- One Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) at Level 3
- Core Skills
Download the Social Services (Children and Young People) MA framework diagram
The framework document provides a full overview of the MA.
SCQF levels show the overall level of learning of the MA.
SCQF Level 7
Apprentices build advanced technical skills and knowledge, with greater responsibility for their own work as well as others.
A typical Social Services MA lasts up to two years.
This MA is fully work-based.
The Sector Skills Council for the Social Services (Children and young People) MA is the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
Social Services (Healthcare)
The Social Services (Healthcare) Modern Apprenticeship is for people working in adult care roles, supporting individuals in care homes, day centres and community facilities.
28.8%
of all Modern Apprenticeship starts in 2025/26 were in sport, health and social care³
The Social Services (Healthcare) MA framework outlines what apprentices need to learn and achieve to complete their apprenticeship.
- One Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) at Level 2 (SCQF Level 6) or Level 3 (SCQF Level 7)
- Core Skills
Download the Social Services (Healthcare) MA framework diagram
The framework documents provide a full overview of the MA.
SCQF levels show the overall level of learning of the MA.
SCQF Level 6
Apprentices develop the skills and experience to work independently and take responsibility for day-to-day tasks.
SCQF Level 7
Apprentices build advanced technical skills and knowledge, with greater responsibility for their own work as well as others.
A typical Social Services MA lasts up to two years.
This MA is fully work-based.
The Sector Skills Council for the Social Services (Healthcare) MA is the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
Get in touch
For more information on becoming or employing a Modern Apprentice, please contact the MA team.
Telephone: 01346 586110
Email: MATeam@nescol.ac.uk
Resources
Apprenticeships.Scot
Information for individuals
Healthcare Support (SCQF Level 6 and 7)
Apprenticeships.Scot
Information for employers
Healthcare Support (SCQF Level 6 and 7)
Modern Apprenticeship Guide
¹ Skills Development Scotland (2026)
² Skills Development Scotland (2026)
³ Skills Development Scotland (2026)