Free Level 3 Adult Care Course. Study online. You can work through the course at your own pace, fitting study around your job and other commitments. The course covers communication, person-centred approaches, equality and inclusion, and the responsibilities of health and social care workers. To enrol, you need to be working in a health or social care setting for at least 12 hours a week, paid or voluntary. This free adult care qualification typically takes up to one year to complete.
Who this course is for
This one-year Level 3 course is well-suited for those aged 19 and above, particularly those already engaged in care work with some level of responsibility in their workplace. It is designed to enhance skills and facilitate career progression. The qualification evaluates knowledge and skills related to the health and social care sector and is applicable to various job roles, including but not limited to senior care assistants, support workers, key workers in residential settings, and personal assistants directly employed by the individuals they support or their families. Engaging in care goes beyond being a job; it becomes a calling. Whether you're a carer or a care assistant, you have the opportunity to significantly improve the lives of those in need. Your role allows you to make a positive impact on individuals requiring extra help and support.
Entry requirements
You must already be working in a paid or voluntary capacity in a health and social care setting for a minimum of 12 hours per week. You will also need to complete an initial assessment of your numeracy and literacy skills.
What you will learn
You'll develop communication skills for health and social care settings.
You'll understand person-centred approaches and how to apply them in practice.
You'll explore equality, diversity, and inclusion in care work.
You'll learn about the responsibilities of health and social care workers.
You'll build knowledge of personal development in a care role.
You'll understand how to support individuals in residential, community, and personal assistant settings.
How you will learn
This is a work-based qualification, so your learning is assessed through evidence gathered in your workplace. You'll build a portfolio demonstrating your knowledge and skills on the job. You'll also complete an initial assessment of your numeracy and literacy before you start. Study is online and part-time, designed to fit around your working hours.
What you will need to bring
South & City College Birmingham will confirm anything you need before you start. As this is a work-based qualification, you'll need to be in a paid or voluntary health or social care role for a minimum of 12 hours per week throughout the course.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support individuals with daily living and personal care.
Senior care assistant: take on lead responsibility within a care team.
Support worker: work with adults with physical or learning disabilities.
Key worker in residential care: act as a named lead for specific residents.
Personal assistant: provide direct support employed by the individual or their family.
Community care worker: deliver care and support in people's own homes.
What you could study next
Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care: the next step for those moving into supervisory or management roles in social care.
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care: suited to those aiming for registered manager or service manager positions.
Nursing or allied health professional degree: for those considering a move into a registered health profession.
