Cadet Schemes
The RCN Nursing Cadet Scheme
- Supported by HM King, Charles, the RCN King’s Nursing Cadet Scheme helps young people develop their skills and support them towards a career in nursing.
- Contact the scheme for local providers.
NHS Youth Volunteering Programme & St John Ambulance Cadets
- NHS Cadet Youth Volunteering Programme was established by NHS England.
- It’s a new programme aimed at young people aged 14 to 18 providing opportunities to explore roles in healthcare.
- The aim of the programme is to reach a diverse range of young people who have barriers to entering health volunteering and/or a healthcare career.
- In partnership with NHS, the St John Ambulance mission is to attract, develop and prepare 14–18-year-olds (up to 25 for young people with a disability and/or special educational needs) to enter and be able to sustain themselves in health volunteering opportunities.
It is delivered by St John Ambulance, working in partnership with local NHS trusts and healthcare providers across the country.
Digital Skills
Digital Skills: Digital Skills for Work and Life
Learn how digital is changing our personal and professional lives and develop the skills to succeed in a digital age with Future Learn.
Internet of Everything
- The goal of this Open University free online course is to introduce you to fundamental concepts and technologies that enable the IoE and help you understand its benefits as well as potential risks.
- The course presents introductory material and is intended to be easily completed by anyone with a basic appreciation of computer technologies.
By completing this course, you will not become an IoE expert, but you will become an informed individual.
Introductory and Level 1 Courses
Entry Level
Autism Awareness (Entry Level)
- The Autism Awareness Course at South Devon College Paignton Campus is designed to increase understanding and introduce Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- This course uses interactive learning and case studies to offer a personal approach to autism.
- With the growing recognition of autism in various sectors, it is crucial for educators, caregivers, and healthcare workers to understand its nuances.
- Autism affects millions of individuals and their families worldwide, making awareness and understanding essential.
Awareness of Personality Disorders (Entry Level)
- Increasing awareness of personality disorders is vital for reducing stigma, improving access to care, and supporting affected individuals.
- The South Devon College 3-hour workshop, running throughout the year at Paignton Campus, aims to educate participants on the nature of personality disorders, the impact of stigma, and effective strategies for support.
- By fostering understanding and empathy, we can create a more supportive environment for those living with personality disorders. Join us to learn more and make a difference in your community.
Dementia Awareness – Torbay (Entry Level)
- The Dementia Awareness course is designed to increase understanding and provide an introduction into dementia.
- This course at Paignton Campus, South Devon College uses interactive learning and case studies to bring a more personal approach to dementia.
- In Torbay, dementia awareness is becoming increasingly important across all sectors due to the growing aging population.
- Dementia affects millions of individuals and their families worldwide, making it crucial for caregivers and healthcare workers to grasp its nuances.
- This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring you are well-prepared to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals living with dementia.
- Whether you are currently working in healthcare or supporting individuals with dementia this course provides overview into dementia.
Sepsis Awareness and Vital Signs (Entry Level)
- This Sepsis Awareness Course run by South Devon College at the Paignton Campus, is an essential programme designed for healthcare professionals and those aspiring for future carers in healthcare.
- This course provides a comprehensive understanding of sepsis, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, respond to, and manage this life-threatening condition. Increasing awareness in sepsis can save lives resulting in quicker diagnosis and better prognosis for patients.
- As well as increasing awareness of sepsis this course undertakes the importance of recognising normal range for vital signs and helps the practitioner develop an understanding of a deteriorating patient.
Suicide Awareness and Harm Prevention (Entry Level)
- The South Devon College Suicide Awareness Course at Paignton Campus is designed to increase understanding, introduce suicide prevention, and approach difficult conversations.
- This course uses interactive learning and real-life case studies to offer a compassionate approach to understanding suicide.
- With the rising awareness of mental health issues, it is crucial for educators, caregivers, and healthcare workers to recognize the signs and provide support.
This course explores vulnerability factors, at-risk groups, and how these issues impact the local area.
Level 1
Introduction to Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Settings Award (Level 1)
- South Devon College offers this introductory course to develop your knowledge and awareness of health, social care and children’s and young people’s settings.
Sexual Health Awareness – online (Level 1)
- The Learning Curve Group online course is suitable for anyone who is interested in developing their knowledge and understanding of sexual health awareness.
- There are no specific entry requirements for this course.
- Basic understanding of English language, literacy, numeracy and ICT are required to complete this course.
Health and Social Care (Level 1)
- The Petroc College one-year course combines classroom theory and practical learning to introduce health and social care and early years education. It has been carefully crafted to provide you with a range of subject knowledge and maximum exposure to the types of skills you will experience in the work environment or within further study at Petroc. You will learn from curriculum experts who are passionate about their field of expertise.
- During the course, you will learn the core knowledge that underpins the industry, and you will also develop occupation-specific skills that will allow you to progress onto a higher level of study.
- The course delivers the Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Health, Social Care & Children & Young People’s Settings.
- Some of the units covered within this course could include:
- Health and safety when with young children
- Growth and development of young children
- Communication in Health & Social Care
- Principles and values in Health & Social Care
Health and Social Care (Level 1)
- The South Devon College one-year course is the first step into developing a career in the health and social care sector which has thousands of job vacancies across a range of areas.
- It will develop your knowledge, skills and confidence and prepare you for further study at Level 2.
Access and Level 2 Courses
Access courses are designed as a stepping stone to enable motivated, enthusiastic people to progress onto Higher Education.
Pre-Access to Higher Education (Level 2)
This Level 2 Health Professionals course at South Devon College is ideal if you want to re-direct your career into areas, amongst others, such as social work, teaching or health and social care management.
Apprentice (Level 2)
Healthcare Support Worker Apprentice
- Ready to jumpstart your career while learning and earning at the same time?
- An Apprenticeship is a great way for you to dive straight into your chosen career.
- You’ll split your time between learning on the job with experienced professionals and attending City College Plymouth to gain essential knowledge. It’s hands-on, practical, and you’ll be earning a qualification while you work.
- Expect to build real skills, make connections, and have fun getting a head start in your future career.
- Please note, you must be employed in a related role and have the support of your employer to be an apprentice.
T-Levels (Level 2 entry stage)
T-Level in Health: Supporting the Adult Nursing Team (Level 2)
- The Health and Social Care Level 2 programme is a one-year course that is delivered using the facilities at the South Devon College Paignton Campus.
- The course is designed to develop your knowledge and skills ready to progress onto the Health: Supporting the Adult Nursing Team T-Level
T-Level Foundation in Health and Social Care (Level 2)
- This Level 2 T-Level Foundation Year course at Exeter College will develop the fundamental skills, knowledge and behaviours required to work in the Health and Social Care and Early Years sectors and move on to the T-Level course.
T-Level Health and Science Foundation Year (Level 2)
The Health and Social Care Level 2 programme is a one-year course that is delivered using the facilities at the South Devon College Paignton Campus.
Online Health and Social Care
- Do you want to retrain for a qualified role in healthcare, social work or social care?
- Are you looking for an Access to Higher Education course that can help you improve your qualifications and gain entry to university?
- If so, this one year, full-time, CAVA-awarded course at City College Plymouth could be just what you need.
Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care Programme (Level 2)
This Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care programme at Petroc College is designed to give you a thorough introduction to working in the different health and social care settings, including children, vulnerable adults and older adults.
Understanding the Care and Management of Diabetes – online (Level 2)
- Diabetes is a growing health problem worldwide, but it can be prevented, delayed, or managed with simple lifestyle changes.
- On this Learning Curve Group, online course you will learn about the different forms and causes of diabetes, as well as the care, treatment and management of the condition.
Counselling Skills – online (Level 2)
- If you’re interested in supporting people to improve their well-being, this course with the Learning Curve Group will provide you with the correct understanding, knowledge and skills to do that.
- This course covers counselling theory and the ethical framework that informs how counsellors use their skills.
- Understanding counselling skills isn’t just relevant for people looking to become an accredited counsellor.
- This course is a great introduction to counselling skills; further study would be needed to gain accredited counsellor status.
Customer Service for Health and Social Care Settings – online (Level 2)
- Less than two-thirds of those receiving care feel extremely satisfied with the quality of service they receive.
- To offer a sense of respect, safety and dignity, proper customer service in Health and Social Care settings is essential: this online course by the Learning Curve Group gives you the foundation you need.
Equality And Diversity – online (Level 2)
- If you want to learn about equality and diversity in different contexts, the Learning Curve Group course will give you a great understanding of the different issues affecting equality and diversity in society today.
- You will gain an insight into the wide-ranging legislation that’s needed to create a workplace centred on fairness, dignity and respect.
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences – online (Level 2)
- Adverse childhood experiences can be direct, such as physical abuse, or indirect, for example the divorce of parents.
- They have been shown to drastically impact a child’s development and can lead to lifelong difficulties with health and relationships.
- This online course run by the Learning Curve Group will give you the skills needed to support people with ACEs and help them overcome obstacles.
Understanding Autism – online (Level 2)
- Increase your understanding of autism and help create an inclusive society for autistic people
- It is estimated that over 700,000 people in the UK are autistic.
- The levels of support and adjustments that each autistic person needs is totally unique to everyone.
- If you’d like to learn more about autism and promote autism acceptance, this Learning Curve Group online course will give you an understanding of neurodiversity and how to support autistic people.
Understanding Behaviour That Challenges – online (Level 2)
- If you want to gain a better understanding of challenging behaviour and how to support individuals who display it, this qualification is a great way to build your knowledge.
- You will learn about what ‘behaviour that challenges’ means, why some people display this behaviour and the impact it can have on this Future Learning Curve online course.
Level 3
T Levels
T-Level in Health (Level 3)
- The T Level in Health course at South Devon College is an exciting opportunity to gain knowledge, understanding, skills and behaviours for a career in the health and care sector.
- It is a two-year, Level 3 qualification which is equivalent to three A Levels and has UCAS points attached.
T-Level in Health (Level 3)
- This Exeter College course is a two-year programme aimed at learners who wish to develop their technical knowledge and skills working in the Healthcare Sector, pursuing a career in Adult Nursing, Midwifery or Mental Health Nursing.
Health T-Level (Level 3)
- The Health T Level at Petroc College is designed to give you both the theory and knowledge of excellent health care practice as well as well-developed practical skills.
- The expectation is that learners who complete this programme of study will go on to work in the health care professions, for example, allied health professions as well as nursing and midwifery.
Health T-Level (Level 3)
- If you see your future career as having a positive impact on the lives of others, health and social care is the sector for you. As people live for longer there is a larger need than ever for talented and compassionate individuals to train as highly skilled health and social care workers.
- The occupational specialisms you will study as part of this T Level include supporting adult nursing, assisting mental health, and supporting health care.
- T Levels are a brand-new qualification aimed at school leavers which are designed to give you a head start towards the future you want. They follow GCSEs and are equivalent to three A Levels.
- Designed with employers, including the NHS, on this two-year course at City College Plymouth you will spend 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% on a 45-day work placement which will give you the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.
- Your T Level will help you to step straight into your chosen career, an Apprenticeship or a degree.
Apprenticeship
Level 3 HCSW Apprenticeship
Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprentice
- As a Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprentice studying at City College Plymouth, you will be at the forefront of patient care, providing essential support to healthcare professionals and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
- You will work closely with individuals across different healthcare environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or community care, assisting with daily activities, monitoring health conditions, and providing emotional support to patients and their families.
- Your role will involve a range of responsibilities, including administering medication, supporting patients with personal care tasks, and contributing to care plans.
- You will be trained to perform clinical duties such as taking vital signs, wound care, and assisting in minor medical procedures, ensuring that you can provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Please note, you must be employed in a related role and have the support of your employer to be an apprentice.
Diploma
Health and Social Care – Technical Extended Diploma (Level 3)
- This two-year Health and Social Care course at South Devon College develops the advanced academic and practical skills required to excel in the Health and Social Care sector, gaining valuable transferable skills across a range of topics.
- The Level 3 Certificate forms the first year of the Level 3 Extended Diploma also offered at South Devon College with opportunities to progress into vocationally specific degree pathways through both University Centre South Devon and the wider higher education community or to employment.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Level 3)
- The South Devon College Access to Higher Education Diploma is a course that enables you to eventually progress to university.
Access to Higher Education: Diploma in Health Professions (Level 3)
- The Petroc College Access Diplomas cater for students who have been away from studying for some time.
- This Diploma in Nursing, Midwifery and Medical Science will equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to achieve your goals, as well as providing support and encouragement throughout the year.
Health and Social Care Access/Diploma (Level 3)
- Would you like to retrain as a health professional? A new nursing career can be within your reach when you study this CAVA Access to Higher Education course at City College Plymouth.
- Access to Higher Education programmes are suited to students who left school to follow one career path, only to find later in life that you want to retrain or study a university course.
- This Access to HE pathway in health and social care can open the door to nursing degrees in adult, mental health and child nursing, as well as other health-related degree such as midwifery or paramedicine. Units available in this course include biology, psychology, sociology and health studies.
- Please note the College course title is a suggested progression route, you must check with your preferred higher education institution to ensure that this course meets their entry requirements.
- Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care).
Healthcare Support Diploma (Level 3)
This is an occupational qualification at South Devon College for those who work in Senior Healthcare Support Worker roles in England or are working towards attaining this role.
Health and Social Care Access/Diploma (Level 3)
- The City College Plymouth Access to HE pathway in health and social care can open the door to nursing degrees in adult, mental health and child nursing, as well as other health-related degree such as midwifery or paramedicine.
- Units available in this course include biology, psychology, sociology and health studies.
- Please note the College course title is a suggested progression route, you must check with your preferred Higher Education Institution to ensure that this course meets their entry requirements.
National Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care
- The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is a full-time, two-year qualification at Petroc, designed for students aged 16–18 who are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives.
- This programme offers an excellent route into a wide range of careers in health, care, and support services – including roles within the NHS, social services, and early years or adult care.
Diploma in Adult Care (Level 3)
- Studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care means you are ready to stand out to employers in the care profession and develop strong care skills and knowledge.
- Covering essential concepts in modern care, including the duty of care, safeguarding and advocacy, strategies for promoting wellbeing and techniques for special individual needs, this online course with Learn Direct will prepare you for a wide range of roles in healthcare.
- Recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
- Suitable for aspiring and existing professionals in health and social care
- Ideal stepping stone to senior roles in care settings
- Explore safeguarding and wellbeing strategies
- Meet UK-wide professional standards in adult care
- Blend of online learning and practical placement
Health and Social Care (Online)
Skills Bootcamp
Working in Health and Social Care – Skills Bootcamp
- Care for your future – start a meaningful career in Health & Social Care.
- If you’re compassionate, committed, and looking for a rewarding career that makes a real difference, the Petroc College Health and Social Care Skills Bootcamp is the perfect opportunity to take your first steps into this growing sector.
- Running one day a week for 12 weeks, this fully funded course is delivered every Tuesday from 3rd June to 19th August 2025 and is supported by local employers who are actively seeking new talent.