Let’s talk about Foundation Apprenticeships 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 Apprenticeship in Social Services Children and Young People has been a huge hit at the Kilmarnock campus this year. We spoke with some of the pupils to find out a bit more about why they like the course and what their future ambitions are.

Codi McNamee

The Foundation Apprenticeship is the best option for me to get into the job I want to do. It’s like a fast track route. I don’t have to wait until I have left school to start gaining qualifications. It will save me time later. Alongside the course I am studying Modern Studies, RE, and Higher English at school.

I like studying the range of topics in the course and finding out how the theory ties into the practical activities. I really enjoy the practical application of the course. We actually get to do the activities we talk about. I get to see how I can adapt an activity to meet what I want the child to learn.

It’s been good overall. Being the only male in the course is a little strange but it’s definitely not an issue. I feel accepted into the class like everyone else, I don’t feel any different. People at school do ask me why I am doing the course, but I just explain what I want to achieve and then they understand. My family are also very supportive.

I would like to get into Social Work. I like the idea of being able to actively make a difference.

Leonie Dalziel

I want to be a Social Worker when I leave school. I thought this would be a good start and it fits in with my school timetable. Alongside the course I am studying   Administration, Media, English and Health Sector (National 5s) at school.

I like doing the practical aspect, like creating ‘play’ activities. I have also enjoyed interacting with the nursery children. The course is better than I expected.

I want to go to University. I plan to start at College and then progress there.

Bonnie Speirs

I think this course will look great on an application. I want to be a Social Worker and I think this will help me get there. Alongside the course I am studying Higher English, Higher Maths, Chemistry (National 5), Higher Biology, and Higher Music.

This course is different from school. It’s good to be surrounded by people who also want to do the same thing as you when they leave school. I think the theory really applies to Social Work. There is more theory than I expected but I do enjoy it.

The travel can be more difficult, I am coming from Maybole to Kilmarnock. I get a taxi from school. I miss about 20 minutes of Biology on a Tuesday but I catch up easily in class.

I am hoping to go to University to study social work. I think it will be a rewarding career.

Megann Ferguson

My guidance teacher recommended I do the course. I like that you get to study the course and with that you get practical experience in a nursery. I am really looking forward to the placement in year 2. Alongside the course I am studying English, Leadership, design manufacture and biology (mix of Nat 5s and Highers).

I like that there is a good balance between the theory and practical activities. I didn’t realise that there was so much involved in organising ‘play’ activities. I like being able to understand that and apply it.

I would like to be a Child Psychologist. If I get the grades to go straight to university then I would like to do that, but if not I will go to college then university.

Rachel McGeachie

When my teacher found out about this course she encouraged me to apply. I want to work with children with additional support needs and this course will help me get there. Alongside the course I am studying National 5 Childcare, Higher English, National 5 Maths, and Higher Business. The course does cross over with National 5 Childcare but has much more practical.

It’s a fun course. I enjoy learning about all the different types of play activities you can do and how these actually help a child develop.  The only challenge I have had was trying to work out my classes when creating my school timetable. I had to drop a class but I will be taking it in my 6th year, so it worked out great.

I want to work in social work. I haven’t had the best back ground so working in that industry would mean I can make a difference and it would be rewarding.

Thinking a Foundation Apprenticeship might be for you? Click here to find out more information.