Let’s talk about the Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering for Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2019
Apprenticeship opportunities in Scotland are growing and we want as many young people and employers as possible to benefit. With that in mind this year’s theme is ‘Skills for the Future’, recognising the importance of investing in our workforce.
Foundation Apprenticeships are school-based apprenticeship that pupils can study as part of their school timetable. We have seen some fantastic results from these courses so far, including our Foundation Apprentice of the Year and Scottish Apprentice of the Year Fraser Wallace.
Our Foundation Apprentices in Civil Engineering have had a busy year so far visiting McTaggart Construction and Ayrshire Road Alliance. After the site visit McTaggart Construction announced they will be offering four of our Foundation Apprentices a two-week work placement in 2019; as part of their developing the young workforce commitment, and on behalf of Irvine Housing Association.
We caught up with some of the pupils to find out what they think about the course, and what they are planning for the future.
Kyle Anderson
I like the course, it’s very interesting. The lecturers are really good as well. I am studying the course alongside Maths, English, Sports and Leadership, and Enterprise at school.
I knew what Civil Engineering was before I choose the course. I looked it up and saw it involved things like maths and calculations. All of the course content is also on Moodle (online platform) which is great.
My favourite part of the course so far is the units involving maths and materials. I am not great a drawing so I found that section a bit more challenging.
I would like to go to University and study Civil Engineering.
Kenzie McGuire
The course is exactly what I expected. My dad and I researched my options and I choose this course. I have known what I wanted to do since about 3rd year of school. I also have a few cousins that work in Civil Engineering which has helped. I am studying the course alongside Higher Graphic Communication, Higher English, National 5 Maths, and National 5 Physics.
I enjoy the drawing aspect of the course, I am good at that. That’s what I look forward to; 1 point and 2 point perspective drawing, as well as component drawing.
There is a lot of freedom at college. The learning environment is more relaxed, it feels different from school. You can have more of a laugh and joke at times.
I think I would like to do a Modern Apprenticeship or maybe come to college full-time to study Civil Engineering.
Kyle Horn
The course is even better than I expected. I am really enjoying it. I did think it would be more practical but it is quite theory based. I am studying the course alongside National 5 Maths, Higher English, Higher PE and Sports Development. It compliments maths at school.
The Health and Safety unit was a bit boring but the materials unit is good. I like the way the Foundation Apprenticeship is taught. It’s relaxed and we can have a laugh during class.
I would like to do a HNC/HND at college after school, or maybe a Modern Apprenticeship.
Euan Geddes
I am enjoying the course, I like doing something different from normal school subjects. It’s a different environment at college. I am studying the course alongside Maths, English, PE and Biology Highers at school.
I didn’t really know what to expect from the course. I did think there would be a lot more maths and would be in a workshop more. I like the course though.
I think I would like to do a Modern Apprenticeship when I leave school.
Thinking a Foundation Apprenticeship might be for you? Click here to find out more information.