All entry routes to the Social Care Apprenticeship require applicants to have some relevant paid, voluntary or lived experience. We cannot provide a definitive list of what counts as relevant experience as each application is considered individually.

It is up to each applicant to demonstrate in their employer application how their experience has developed skills or knowledge relevant to social care, including experience of working with and supporting people. Decisions on whether experience is relevant are made by UCC based on the information provided by each candidate in their application.

See the entry routes outlined below to understand how much relevant experience is required for your chosen route.

Entry Routes: 

Irish Leaving Certificate Entry Route

Applicants must have six recognised subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificate and must obtain a minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and minimum Grade O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects. This must include Irish (unless exempt) and English. 

Plus A minimum of 12 months experience working in a Social Care or Social Care related setting. 

QQI FETAC Entry Route

Hold a level 5/6 QQI FETAC qualification from those listed below with Distinctions* (i.e. 80% or greater) in 4 modules. See module list below

Plus A minimum of 12 months experience working in a Social Care or Social Care related setting. 

Level 5/6 QQI FETAC courses accepted for entry to this programme:

5M181        Applied Social Studies  
ECAXX          Community Arts          
5M2786           Community Care        
5M3050           Community Development     
6M3674           Community Development     
5M4468           Community Health Services
M2009           Early Childhood Care and Education              
6M2007           Early Childhood Care and Education              
5M21473       Early Learning and Care            
6M21471        Early Learning and Care         
5M3635           Education and Training             
5M3782           Health Service Skills  
5M3782          Health Service Skills  
6M4978           Health Service Supervisory Management Skills       
5M4339           Healthcare Support   
6M2263           Inclusive Education and Training        
6M3115           Information, Advice and Advocacy     
5M1761           Intellectual Disability Practice            
5M4349           Nursing Studies           
6M2218           Social and Vocational Integration       
5M4732           Youth Work