Level 3 Aspiring Leaders in Healthcare Apprenticeship

This aspiring leaders in healthcare apprenticeship develops the skills, confidence, and behaviours needed to manage people and projects in care and health settings. Learners gain leadership knowledge, communication techniques, and insight into CQC standards. The programme blends online study with workplace learning, helping participants apply theory to practice and build leadership confidence while continuing to deliver quality care.

The aspiring leaders in healthcare apprenticeship is open to individuals working in healthcare, community or social care environments who are ready to take on leadership or supervisory responsibilities. It’s suitable for those leading teams, managing shifts, or supporting staff. Applicants must be employed, have lived in the UK for at least three years, and be able to complete the 15-month programme alongside their role.

The aspiring leaders in healthcare apprenticeship takes approximately 15 months to complete. During this time, learners combine practical experience with structured online learning, coaching, and assessments. The programme includes engaging modules designed to enhance leadership skills, from communication and performance management to innovation, resilience, and organisational improvement.

Delivery combines workplace learning, online sessions, and one-to-one coaching from tend Development Coaches. This approach allows learners to develop leadership capability without interrupting day-to-day responsibilities. Each learner completes an online assessment to tailor their learning journey. This flexible format ensures every aspiring leader in healthcare gains relevant, actionable skills that drive team and organisational success.

On completion, learners achieve the Level 3 Team Leader / Supervisor Apprenticeship, a nationally recognised qualification that demonstrates leadership and management competence. This milestone marks the first step in becoming one of the sector’s aspiring leaders in healthcare and provides progression opportunities to Level 5 leadership or management programmes.

Learners explore a wide range of leadership and management topics, including team performance, communication, coaching, decision-making, innovation, and CQC compliance. Modules also cover sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion, and professional development. By the end of the aspiring leaders in healthcare apprenticeship, learners are equipped with the tools to lead teams confidently and effectively within complex care settings.

Aspiring Leaders in Healthcare Learners are continually supported and assessed through reflective activities, workplace evidence, and practical projects. The programme concludes with an End Point Assessment (EPA), which includes a presentation, portfolio review, and professional discussion. This process ensures every aspiring leader in healthcare demonstrates measurable impact and readiness for senior leadership responsibilities.

For levy-paying employers, the aspiring leaders in healthcare apprenticeship is fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. Non-levy employers benefit from government co-funding, which covers up to 95% of the total cost. This makes it an affordable and impactful way to strengthen leadership capability across your healthcare workforce.

Graduates of the aspiring leaders in healthcare apprenticeship often progress into supervisory, management, or coordination roles within their organisation. Many also continue into higher-level qualifications such as the Level 5 Leader in Adult Care Apprenticeship. These progression routes support ongoing career development and ensure organisations retain motivated, high-performing leaders.

Learners receive personalised support from tend Development Coaches, who provide regular check-ins, mentoring and tailored feedback. Employers are kept informed of progress through reviews and reports. This ensures each aspiring leader in healthcare is guided, confident, and equipped to meet their goals while delivering tangible benefits to their team and organisation.