The largest employer in the UK Healthcare Sector is the NHS, which employs more than 1.5 million people - placing it in the top five largest workforces in the world. There are more than 350 different roles available within the NHS.

A significant proportion of the sector's workforce is in independent healthcare. In addition to their private sector functions, these providers are increasingly contracted to provide services on behalf of the NHS.

The entry requirements for this course are:

• 4 GCSEs at grades 4 or above, or equivalent, including English, maths* and science.

You will be required to attend an informal interview which may include completing an assessment based on your prior qualifications.

*Consideration may be given if only English and science has been achieved, depending on other subject grades and with the expectation that maths will be achieved at Grades 9-4 before completing the T Level. This will form part of the interview and assessment process.

As part of this programme an enhanced DBS check will be required for placement and as an industry requirement (provided by the college). 

Please ensure correct information on any convictions is recorded on your college application so we can discuss this with you.

Where entry requirements have not been achieved, students may be referred to the Level 2 Health Programme.

This course consists of the following modules:

Core Content:

All learners will develop a general understanding of health and science:

• Working within the Health and Science Sectors
• Health, safety and environmental regulations
• Managing information and data
• Principles of good scientific and clinical practice
• Core science concepts including the structure of cells, tissues and large molecules, genetics, microbiology and immunology

Learners will also learn about topics specific to health, including:

• Understanding the Healthcare Sector
• Providing person-centred care
• Supporting health and wellbeing
• Further knowledge of both human anatomy and physiology and of diseases and disorders
• Infection prevention and control

All students must complete a minimum of 315 hours working with an employer(s) on an industry placement.

You will be assessed using a range of methods including:

• External written exams
• Observation
• Assignments
• Industry placement and journal
• Employer set projects
• Witness testimony
• Personal statements
• Synoptic assessment

To further enhance your progression, you will actively participate in skills competitions, such as the Big Idea Challenge and Skills London.

You will have opportunities to take part in trips and visits, such as The Dementia Hub and Health and Social Care Conferences. You will also be invited to take part in funder-raiser events such as Mental Health Week and Live Aid.

You will have access to key employers that will deliver guest lectures to build your industry knowledge and create your future, including those from NHS England.

All students must complete a minimum of 315 hours working with an employer(s) on an industry placement.

You will be assigned a workplace assessor who will support you in the placement and monitor your progress.

The completion of this course will allow you to progress onto:

• University degree
• Higher Level Apprenticeship
• Higher National Diploma

Waltham Forest College is a vibrant and aspirational college and will support you to reach your career aspirations. Last year 96% of learners progressed onto a positive destination either to higher levels of study, employment, or an Apprenticeship.