Free Level 1 Health and Social Care Course in Colchester. Classes run at Adult Skills Centre Colchester, full-time during the day. This free health and social care course for adults covers communication skills, working with others, healthy lifestyles, and how care services operate. You'll also build English, maths, and employability skills alongside the care content. The course runs for around nine months. Entry requires 3 GCSEs (grades 9 to 1) including English and Maths, or a Level 1 Functional Skills equivalent, plus an interview and a DBS check.
Who this course is for
This course is aimed at learners who wish to pursue a career in a health and social care setting by gaining introductory skills and knowledge.
Entry requirements
3 GCSEs (9-1) including English and Maths, or Level 1 Functional Skills equivalent and an interview. Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS*) check. * Please note there is a charge of 45 for an online DBS check.
What you will learn
You'll learn how health and social care services are organised and what working in them involves.
You'll develop communication skills relevant to care settings.
You'll practise supporting others safely, including the use of adapted equipment.
You'll explore how to advise people on healthy lifestyles and prepare healthy snacks in a care context.
You'll take part in creative activities used when caring for people.
You'll build personal organisation and planning skills.
You'll strengthen your English, maths, and employability skills alongside the care content.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Adult Skills Centre Colchester. The programme combines practical activities with knowledge-based units. Assessment is through coursework and assignments linked to each unit. You'll also take part in activities that develop your English, maths, and employability skills as part of the programme.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Adult Skills Centre Colchester will confirm anything else you need before you start. Note that a DBS check is required; there is a charge of £45 for the online DBS check.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support people in residential or home care settings.
Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Social care worker: help adults with daily living in community settings.
Domiciliary care worker: provide personal care and support in people's homes.
Day centre support worker: run activities and provide care in day services.
What you could study next
Level 2 Health and Social Care qualification: the natural next step after this course, covering care practice in more depth and opening more job roles.
Level 2 Diploma in Care (NVQ-style): a work-based qualification that counts toward regulated roles in adult social care.
Level 3 Health and Social Care qualification: suitable if you want to move into senior care, team leader, or support worker roles with more responsibility.
