Foundation Apprenticeships

What is a Foundation Apprenticeship?

Foundation Apprenticeships are courses designed for S5 pupils to combine school learning, college learning and work experience. A Foundation Apprenticeship is studied alongside other school subjects. During the two year course (S5-S6) pupils will spend two afternoons a week at college. The course also enables them to spend time at a work placements with industry employers, exposing them early on to the world of work and employer expectations. Involvement in Foundation Apprenticeships gives employers the chance to interact with and identify committed, skilled and motivated young people that could be recruited by their company in the future.  

WHY WAS A FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP CREATED?

The development of the Foundation Apprenticeship is to help Scotland’s young people gain valuable work experience and have the opportunity for work-based learning while still attending school. Skills Development Scotland developed Foundation Apprenticeships to reduce youth unemployment by supporting pupils to build the skills they need to be successful when they leave school. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

• Achieve the foundation apprenticeship while still at school  
• Gain a qualification recognised by employers
• Visit local employers throughout the course
• Substantial work experience
• Opportunities to be seen by an employer
• Experience to boost your CV or application for college, university or a job
• Step into an exciting and growing industry that needs skilled people   
  
  

WHAT ARE MY PROGRESSION ROUTES?

A Foundation Apprenticeship is a great start towards a Modern Apprenticeship. A Modern Apprenticeship is learning while at work and earning at the same time. Unlike a Foundation Apprenticeship, a Modern Apprenticeship is not completed while still at school.   

There are also routes into further education in a College or University or a job after completion.

WHAT FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIPS ARE AVAILABLE?

Ayrshire College currently offers a Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills, Financial Services, Civil Engineering, Social Services, Children and Young People, Engineering, Social Services and Healthcare and Scientific Technology (Laboratory Skills). 

For any queries or someone to speak to about Foundation Apprenticeships please email Kirsty Taylor: kirsty.taylor@ayrshire.ac.uk.