Course Overview
This course is free if you are aged 19 and over as of the current academic year, live in Somerset, Dorset or Wiltshire, are a UK resident on the first day of learning and earn less than £26,800 annual gross salary (£2,233 monthly or £515 weekly).
This course is also free if you are in receipt of benefits, including Universal Credit (UC), Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) including NI contributions only, Employment Support Allowance (ESA), and if you are unemployed and not claiming benefits.
This Skills Booster programme is designed to help you build the knowledge, confidence and professional skills needed to begin or progress a career in Adult Social Care. Combining an industry-recognised Level 2 qualification with additional employability-focused awards, this course provides a strong foundation for working in a rewarding sector that makes a real difference to people’s lives.
The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care covers essential topics including:
- Understanding the role of the social care worker
- Personal development in adult social care settings
- Person-centred approaches to care and support
- Diversity, equality and inclusion
- Effective communication in social care
- Safeguarding and protection in health and social care
- Duty of care responsibilities
- Handling information safely and confidentially
- Health and safety in care settings.
Alongside the Level 2 Certificate, learners will achieve three valuable ETA Awards designed to strengthen personal and professional skills:
- Understanding and Portraying British Values – Develop an understanding of democracy, the British political system and the values that underpin life in modern Britain. Explore how these principles influence everyday life, communities and the law.
- Habit Management – Learn what habits are, how they are formed and practical techniques for creating positive behaviours while overcoming unhelpful habits. This award supports personal development and professional success.
- Resolving Conflict – Gain an understanding of different types of conflict and develop effective strategies for managing challenging situations confidently, appropriately and professionally.
That’s four nationally recognised qualifications from one programme.
You will be supported throughout the course by a dedicated, experienced tutor and attend an online evening session each week. These sessions are designed to guide you through the course content, help you stay on track with assignment deadlines and build your confidence.
Whether you are taking your first steps into care or looking to refresh and strengthen your skills, the Adult Social Care Skills Booster provides a valuable pathway into one of the most rewarding and in-demand sectors.
Dates and times
This course is delivered via online sessions on Thursdays, 6pm–9pm, on the following dates:
- 8 October 2026
- 15 October 2026
- 22 October 2026
- 5 November 2026
- 12 November 2026
- 19 November 2026
- 26 November 2026
- 3 December 2026
- 10 December 2026
- 17 December 2026
- 7 January 2027
- 14 January 2027.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is completed through the online eAssessor platform and workbooks. You will submit coursework every week throughout the programme, with tutor-led online sessions designed to prepare you for each submission and support your progress.
Friendly, interactive evening sessions will take place on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 9pm each week for 15 weeks. This blended approach gives you the flexibility of online learning alongside the motivation, guidance and networking opportunities that come from learning with a group.
There are no formal examinations.
Progression Options
After completing this programme, you’ll be well placed to progress into a range of roles within the adult health sector.
If you wish to further your studies, you could progress onto the NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care designed for those in senior or lead care roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
