Find your route
Compare two routes into confident adult care practice
Both pathways lead to the same Level 2 qualification. The structure, commitment and employer arrangements are different.
Compare the pathways
Same care foundation. Two different routes.
Choose according to the time, structure and support that best fit you and your employer.
Apprenticeship
Standalone Qualification
Route
ApprenticeshipPaid work-based apprenticeship
Standalone QualificationStandalone qualification
Typical duration
Apprenticeship12 months (minimum 8)
Standalone QualificationAround 20 weeks; no statutory minimum
Tutor pattern
ApprenticeshipAt least monthly, usually 3 hours
Standalone QualificationRecommended 3 hours every 3 weeks
Off-the-job learning
Apprenticeship300 paid hours, roughly 6 hours weekly
Standalone QualificationNot required
Functional Skills
ApprenticeshipRequired for eligible 16–19-year-olds; optional from 19
Standalone QualificationNot required
Assessment
ApprenticeshipContinuous apprenticeship assessment; no separate EPA
Standalone QualificationQualification and workplace competence; no EPA or AA
Employer involvement
ApprenticeshipFormal training partnership and apprenticeship responsibilities
Standalone QualificationTraining support, reviews, feedback and observations
Award
ApprenticeshipHighfield Level 2 Certificate in Adult Social Care plus the Adult Care Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard
Standalone QualificationHighfield Level 2 Certificate in Adult Social Care