NCFE launches new qualifications to support social care recruitment

The Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE) has launched three new social care qualifications after getting approval in the recent Department for Education (DfE) submission cycle. 

The awarding body said these will create more ways into the workforce at a time when recruitment is under pressure.

The new qualifications include two adult care diplomas, one aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds and another for people aged 19 and over, and a diploma in youth work. 

The Level 3 technical occupational qualifications have been approved for public funding from 1st August 2026.

David Rowley, product manager for technical education at NCFE, said: “In Skills England’s recent publication of the Assessment of priority skills to 2030, adult social care is highlighted as containing some of the most in-demand priority occupations, so we’re delighted to have three qualifications approved and two specifically related to adult care.

“Social care is the sector whose need for Level 2 and 3 qualifications is the highest. 

“We are very proud that we are the only awarding body who have had any technical qualifications approved in adult social care through the reforms and are committed to further supporting and standing by this essential sector.”

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 technical occupational entry in social care is equivalent to three A Levels.