The Power Of Diplomas In Health And Social Care
Diplomas have the potential to empower individuals and are the best route for most health and social care professionals to progress, according to an expert at leading training provider Realise.
Lesley O’Connor, Head of Health and Social Care at Realise, said diplomas are a strong option as they are flexible, can usually be fully funded and can be tailored to the particular needs of the employer and the learner.
Diplomas are also attractive to employers as they require little administration.
Lesley said: “I think there is still a lack of awareness and some misconceptions around diplomas. Sometimes people believe apprenticeships are their only option and they don’t realise diplomas are available under funded provision for those who are eligible.
“Some employers also mistakenly believe that diplomas are completed entirely online but, in fact, they are very hands-on and practical. This approach helps learners apply theoretical knowledge directly to real-world scenarios, which is a major advantage.
“Our diplomas are recognised and trusted by employers in the health and social care sector. They meet national standards, which means learners hold a qualification that is valued and trusted.
“If a candidate does not meet the eligibility criteria for a diploma, then alternative routes will need to be explored. Otherwise, I would nearly always recommend a diploma as a fantastic way to expand knowledge and skills.”
Under the Adult Skills Fund, diplomas are usually fully funded for anyone aged 19 and over, as long as they have lived in the UK for three years. There are some other eligibility requirements in devolved areas – and in some areas, workers from overseas can start a diploma as soon as they arrive in the country under a Health and Care Worker visa.
Learners can also qualify for funded diplomas if they earn below the low wage threshold, which varies from area to area. The thresholds have recently been raised in various authorities, to £35,000 a year in Liverpool, for example, and £27,500 a year in West Yorkshire.
Realise offers Level 2 diplomas in all non-devolved regions for England and Liverpool City Region.
The provider also offers Level 3 diplomas in West Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region and West Midlands.
A Level 2 or 3 diploma is equivalent to achieving GCSE grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, or 4 previously graded A*, A, B, or C.
There are no formal maths or English tests at the end of the diploma, though development is encouraged throughout the programme.
Realise works with employers to develop diplomas that are bespoke and built around the six specialisms: Elderly Residential Care Services, Dementia Care Services, Learning Disability Care Services, Treatment and Recovery Care Services, Mental Health Care Services and Community Care Services.
Lesley said: “Tailoring our programmes is extremely valuable as it ensures the skills being developed are relevant to the role the learner holds. It helps them to develop in the areas they are most interested in which, in turn, leads to an enjoyable learning experience.
“Helping learners find the right programme for them is central to the Realise ethos. Some learners will be able to enter at Level 3 if they’re in the right job role, even if they don’t have another diploma.
“Anyone who is interested can talk to us and we will advise on the most appropriate programme.”
To find out more, visit www.realisetraining.com