Foundation Apprenticeships are a work-based learning opportunity for senior-phase secondary school pupils.
Lasting one or two years, pupils begin their Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 or S6. Young people spend time learing out of school and with a local work experience placement, and complete the Foundation Apprenticeship alongside their other subjects like National 5s and Highers.
Completion leads to a qualification at the same level of learning as a Higher and can lead to progression on to a job, such as a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship.
Foundation Apprenticeships are recognised as entry qualifications by all Scottish colleges and universities.
Why have they been developed?
Unemployment rates in Scotland are significantly higher for young people compared with adults. To change this, we need to support pupils to build the skills they’ll need to be successful when they leave school.
We developed Foundation Apprenticeships to help young people gain valuable, real-world work experience and access work-based learning while they’re still at school.
Closing the gap between the classroom and the workplace
By giving young people earlier exposure to the world of work, we’re helping them develop the skills, experience and knowledge they’ll need when they leave school.
For young people, it’s the chance to get a head start on their careers by gaining an industry-recognised qualification, work on real projects and broaden their career options when they leave school.
And for employers, it’s the chance to attract highly motivated and committed young people who are willing to learn, identify young people who are right for your business and ensure your organisation has people with the skills you need.
Key Benefits
Gain industry insight and a qualification
You’ll gain industry knowledge and experience while you’re still at school.
There are 12 Foundation Apprenticeship subjects to choose from at SCQF Level 6 and 3 Foundation Apprenticeship subjects at SCQF Level 4/5. All apprenticeships have been designed in partnership with employers.
Choose a Foundation Apprenticeship and you’ll quickly discover the benefits they bring:
- Gain an industry-recognised qualification that’s the same level as a Higher
- Learn skills that employers want and strengthen your CV or personal statement
- Recognised by all Scottish universities and colleges.
Check out these diagrams that show how Foundation Apprenticeships can lead to further study:
‘Foundation Apprenticeship to degree opportunity’
and ‘Foundation Apprenticeship to college opportunity’
Supports your application for a Modern Apprenticeship. Check out our diagram that shows how Foundation Apprenticeships relate to Modern Apprenticeships:
‘Foundation Apprenticeship to work opportunity‘.
How a Foundation Apprenticeship works
- Choose the apprenticeship you’d like, as part of your senior-phase subject choices
- Spend time with a learning provider, such as a college
- Work on industry projects supported by employers
- Get assessed on the work-based learning you do
- By completing the apprenticeship you will achieve a qualification and develop skills employers want
