Foundation Apprenticeships
Are you considering a Foundation Apprenticeship?
In S5 or S6, you can do a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your senior subject choices. You'll get the chance to study through your local college and learn in a real workplace where you can develop the new skills future employers need, giving you a competitive edge while you're still at school.
Foundation Apprenticeships combine the best of academic and vocational learning in one single qualification.
What is a Foundation Apprenticeship?
What is a Foundation Apprenticeship?
A Foundation Apprenticeship provides a range of benefits that employers are looking for and opens up your options after you leave school.
It gives you the opportunity to gain industry–recognised qualifications and gain valuable workplace experience.
It normally starts in S5 and takes two years to complete. Some programmes may also be completed in one year if your school timetable allows, depending on the subject and your circumstances.
How do they Work?
How do they Work?
You spend time during your school week either attending college or accessing learning online.
In addition to an academic qualification you will also gain work experience in a related business as part of your studies.
You will undertake work-based projects designed to supplement your school studies with real world experience and benefit from site visits to businesses and guest speakers from industry.
'It’s been really practical which is good and it’s taught me a lot of invaluable skills that I’ll use in the future.'
What is work placement?
A work placement is one of the most important aspects of the qualification, as it provides an opportunity to apply your learning with an employer in your chosen sector.
This will vary depending on the course but will often take place in the second year of the Foundation Apprenticeship.
Argyll College will organise the work placement with you.
We’ll try hard to get local employers in your chosen industry or area of interest but some travel may be required.
All employers are vetted to ensure they are suitable and meet learner requirements.
Placements are monitored to provide support and guidance throughout.
What are the benefits?
What are the benefits?
A Foundation Apprenticeship will enable you to:
- Combine high quality academic learning with skill development
- Gain valuable hands-on experience
- Build confidence in the workplace
- Develop useful industry contacts
- Try out a specific career or industry
- Gain accelerated entry onto a Modern Apprenticeship
The Foundation Apprenticeship is recognised by employers, universities and colleges across Scotland and will strengthen your application, personal statement or CV.
