How to become
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 that would teach you some of the skills needed to become a trainee maternity support worker.
Courses include:
- child development and care
- health and social care
- T Level in Health
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship, with an NHS trust, such as:
- Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
These take between 1 and 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with study.
The level 3 apprenticeship gives you the option to specialise in maternity support.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 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 move into maternity support through on-the-job training where you work.
Volunteering
Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and experience from working in healthcare, or with children and their families.
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Career tips
You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would apply in your work.
Further information
You can learn more about how to become a maternity support worker through Health Careers.