Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker – Maternity Support Apprenticeship

The Maternity Support Worker Apprenticeship is a specialised Senior Healthcare Support Worker pathway with a focus on maternity care. It is designed to develop skilled, compassionate support for pregnant individuals, mothers, and newborns under the supervision of registered midwives. On completion, learners achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support and the Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship Standard.

This apprenticeship is suited to individuals working in, or aiming to work in, maternity care teams. It provides an excellent foundation for those employed on antenatal or postnatal wards, within birthing centres, in community clinics, or as part of midwifery-led units. It is particularly valuable for those committed to supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

Learners progress through a structured development pathway. In the first stage, covering months one to nine, the focus is on orientation, health and wellbeing, quality improvement, mental health awareness, and teamwork in maternity contexts. The second stage, from months ten to eighteen, builds specialist knowledge in anatomy and physiology, antenatal and postnatal support, newborn care, safeguarding, equality, communication, and family-centred care planning. The programme also includes a final mock End-Point Assessment rehearsal to ensure learners are fully prepared.

Delivery is blended and highly practical. On-the-job training takes place in real maternity care settings, where learners work under the supervision of registered midwives. Alongside this, at least six hours per week are dedicated to structured off-the-job training, including workshops, online learning, reflective practice, and portfolio development through platforms such as Aptem.

To enrol, applicants must have lived in the UK or EEA for at least three years and be employed in a suitable maternity care role that aligns with the apprenticeship modules. They should also hold GCSEs in English and maths at grade 4/C or equivalent Functional Skills. Where these are not already achieved, learners are supported to work towards them during the apprenticeship. Learn more about our entry requirements here.

The maternity support apprenticeship typically runs for around 18 months, although the exact duration depends on individual progress. After the training is complete, learners move on to the End-Point Assessment to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and behaviours.

The End-Point Assessment is designed to confirm competence and readiness for practice. It usually consists of an observation of practice, where learners demonstrate their skills in real maternity care, and a professional discussion underpinned by their portfolio of evidence. Results are graded as Pass or Distinction, ensuring that only safe and compassionate practitioners complete the programme.

On successful completion, learners achieve the Senior Healthcare Support Worker (Maternity Support) Apprenticeship Standard as well as the Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support. Both are widely recognised qualifications within health and social care.

The maternity pathway opens doors to a range of opportunities within healthcare. Graduates may continue in roles such as healthcare assistant or senior support worker in maternity care. Many progress into roles such as assistant practitioner or nursing associate, while others choose to pursue further study and training to become registered nurses or midwives.

Employers gain maternity support staff trained to deliver compassionate, safe, and effective care. Apprenticeship graduates are able to work seamlessly alongside midwives and maternity teams, helping to improve the quality of care and patient experience across antenatal, birthing, and postnatal stages. This strengthens workforce development and enhances service provision for families at one of the most important stages of life.