How to become a maternity support worker
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course to get into this job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Child Development and Care
- Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care
- Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
Most health and social care courses include work placements so this could be a good way of getting experience.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You could start on a healthcare support worker intermediate apprenticeship. This would give you the skills and knowledge to move on to an advanced apprenticeship as a senior healthcare support worker.
On the advanced apprenticeship you can follow the maternity support option.
This typically takes between 18 and 24 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and study.
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a healthcare assistant and learn on the job. You could move into maternity work through further training and promotion.
Volunteering
You'll find it useful to get some paid or unpaid voluntary experience in a healthcare setting or a role working with children and families.
You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and experience from work like child care or health-related roles.
Employers may ask for a qualification in a child care or health-related subject, and experience of working with people.
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Career tips
When applying for jobs, you'll be expected to show an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a maternity support worker from Health Careers.