November 2015 work-based learning and colleges update: Health and social care sector
This month's health and social care sector update includes information on changes to apprenticeships, accessing the Workforce Development Fund and some news from Skills for Care.
Apprenticeships are changing
The system of apprenticeships is being completely overhauled in England. The system of frameworks' with prescribed elements common to all sectors of the economy is being transformed. It will be replaced by a system of 'standards'. These are being written from scratch by groups of employers who are known as Trailblazers. The standards are two-page documents listing the skills, knowledge and behaviours essential for being competent in a specified occupation. These have to be assessed in the round, and the result graded at the end of the apprenticeship by somebody independent.
Learn more about changes to apprenticeships on the Skills For Care website
News from Skills for Care
Skills for Health, Skills for Care and Health Education England have issued a shared statement regarding the Care Certificate and training providers including e-learning.
Accessing the Workforce Development Fund (WDF) 2015-16
If you’re an adult social care employer within England, you can access WDF to support continuing professional development of your staff through the achievement of qualification units.
- WDF is a contribution towards the cost of completing units and qualifications.
- Funding is calculated on the credit size of qualification units at £15 per credit.
- How much you can claim back will depend on the qualification, the units selected and how many credits make up those units.