What is a Foundation Apprenticeship?
Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) offer exciting pathways for young people, giving them valuable real-world work experiences as part of their regular school timetable. Creating a seamless connection between school studies and future careers, FAs provide practical learning experiences, valuable industry insights, and hands-on experience that readies them for the next steps; whether that's heading straight into employment, college, or university.
Foundation Apprenticeships are available at SCQF Level 4 and Level 6.
Is a Foundation Apprenticeship right for me?
Foundation Apprenticeships are ideal for students going into S5 and S6. You'll be able to integrate a Foundation Apprenticeship into your school timetable, alongside National 5s and Higher subjects.
You’ll study your FA for two half days per week for the duration of your course. At the end of your course, you’ll have achieved an industry-recognised qualification, equivalent to one or two Highers - a terrific head-start in the career you want!
Why study a Foundation Apprenticeship?
Not only does this innovative pathway close the gap between the classroom and the career that you want, but there’s so much more than meets the eye. Let’s look at the many great benefits that studying an FA gives you:
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Gain an industry-recognised qualification that includes a work placement*, giving you the skills and knowledge employers are looking for.
- Get equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience to boost your CV, helping you stand out in a competitive job market.
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Our FAs are developed in collaboration with employers, meaning your course is tailored perfectly to your future career.
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An FA could provide an accelerated route, with some work-based learning designed to overlap with Modern Apprenticeships.
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Even if you’re unsure about your future career, FAs are a great opportunity to see if it's the right fit for you, while gaining an industry/nationally recognised qualification.
*Level 6 courses only
Where can my Foundation Apprenticeship take me?
Foundation Apprenticeship qualifications are widely endorsed by colleges, universities and employers.
Level 4 FAs all include an employer-driven Work-Based Challenge to help develop core skills within the vocational area.
Level 6 FAs are the equivalent to a Higher, but with the added benefit of real-life work experience in a related industry, meaning that progression options presented by the FA should be clearer to you.
So, what are those pathways? Let’s have a look and see how they could benefit you:
Further Education:
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FAs are a great way to help you get into college or university to continue your journey.
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An FA at SCQF Level 6 complements relevant National 5s and Higher subjects, further helping you meet entry requirements for advanced courses.
- An FA at SCQF Level 4 could give direct entry into the next level course at college.
Career Opportunities:
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FAs offer both a qualification and relevant work experience/employer engagement, hugely boosting your employment opportunities. The hands-on experience and skills gained are highly valued by employers.
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Your FA will also give you a range of transferable skills, helping you become an asset across different industries.
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Working with employers, you’ll have the chance to create connections that will help your future career.
Pathway to Modern Apprenticeships:
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An FA could provide easier access to a Modern Apprenticeship, especially with the experience and skills gained.
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Some units/topics from FAs, particularly at Level 6, may overlap with Modern Apprenticeship content, potentially shortening the duration of the apprenticeship.
- A Level 4 FA, along with your National 4/5 school subjects, should help support your application to a Modern Apprenticeship.
What can I study?
We have 14 Foundation Apprenticeship courses at Level 4 and Level 6 available across Fife, in partnership with Fife Council and Skills Development Scotland (SDS).
You can choose from a range of courses, providing a pathway to many different careers in sectors like creative and digital media, engineering, business skills, science, automotive, construction, and hospitality.
What will studying a Foundation Apprenticeship involve?
The content of your Foundation Apprenticeship, of course, will vary based on the course framework you select. Each course is structured to provide a balanced mix of classroom learning and practical experience.
Level 6 FAs - normally studied over two years - are largely dedicated to work placement with a local business or organisation. During your placement, you’ll engage in work-based projects that let you take what you learn in class and apply it in the real world. With all FAs being linked to key sectors of the Scottish economy, you’ll gain valuable industry experience that’s directly relevant to kickstarting your career.
Will I need to sit exams?
One of the main differences between your Foundation Apprenticeship and your typical school subjects is that your FA doesn’t involve any big exams in May/June each year like National 5s and Highers do. For some young people, this may be a preferred option.
FAs consists of several SQA units/topics and once you complete them these will all appear on your SQA certificate along with your FA certificate. (Please note this may follow later than exam results.)