If you are interested in finding out more information around Foundation Apprenticeships, contact the school and ask to speak with Mr Toal.
Foundation Apprenticeships – COVID-19 update and news
We continue to work closely with awarding bodies, partners and Scottish Government to quickly respond to issues arising from the epidemic to support you and learners in the delivery of Foundation Apprenticeships.
SDS appreciates all the work being done by learning providers and stakeholders at this time to support FAs.
We remain committed to working with all key partners to build on the success of recent years, maintain delivery for the benefit of learners and employers during this period of uncertainty.
We recognise that COVID-19 poses challenges for us all and we will work with yourselves to find solutions where required.
SQA Accreditation
Thank you for submitting the requested information outlining the extent of SVQ completion against each framework for your learners.
This continues to inform our engagement with SQA as we seek a solution.
We expect to be in a position to provide a more detailed update on the work with SQA in the coming days.
Recruitment
Cohort 5 recruitment
We’re contacting pupils who have submitted an expression of interest for a Foundation Apprenticeship via email to establish if they have completed an application with a learning provider or need additional support from SDS.
This is being tested on a small batch before being rolled out more widely.
Recruitment materials
We’re currently developing new materials to support recruitment over the summer months – these will include social media assets and key messaging.
Letters to current FAs
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sending a letter to all Foundation Apprentices going into their second year.
The letter will support the “keeping in touch” process by providing additional reassurance from SDS, whilst highlighting the support available from SDS Careers Advisers to all learners.
A copy of the letter will be shared with all providers.
Careers Information Advice and Guidance service offer
A reminder that SDS has support in place for individual FA learners through our Careers Advisers.
Advisers are available over the phone or online. To speak to a school Careers Adviser, call the local centre and ask for them by name.
As part of this enhanced support, SDS Careers Advisers have been contacting FA learners on a one to one basis via existing procedures.
Find a local careers centre or get more information on myworldofwork.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check our COVID-19 FAQs for regular updates.
We have added an answer on Disclosure Scotland and their capacity to support PVGs going forward this week.
The FAQ guide for training providers is on the training provider area within the COVID-19 section of the SDS website.
This will continue to be updated to respond to FAQs coming through from you.
Further support
If you have any questions or issues not addressed by the guidance above, please email newapprenticeships@sds.co.uk
We continue to liaise with SQA on measures to support providers through this uncertain period.
We urge you to follow the Scottish Government’s latest information and advice on Coronavirus at gov.scot/coronavirus.
Public health advice can be found at: Coronavirus (COVID-19) on NHS Inform.
