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What is a Foundation Apprenticeship ?
A Foundation Apprenticeship ( or FA as it is often referred to ) is a vocational qualification that provides young people with the opportunity to develop new knowledge and skills in the classroom whilst also experiencing work-based learning in a local business or organisation . The SCQF Level 4 and 5 programmes are carried out over one academic year and include introductory work-based skills units and engagement with an employer while you are still at school and as part of your school timetable .
There are currently three Foundation Apprenticeships at these levels :
Automotive Level 4 Construction Level 4 Hospitality Level 4 and 5
An FA at SCQF Level 6 includes some elements of a Modern Apprenticeship ( MA ) and also includes work-based learning whilst still being at school and as part of your school timetable .
There are currently up to 10 SCQF Level 6 Foundation Apprenticeships on offer in Fife :
Accountancy Business Skills Civil Engineering Creative and Digital Media Engineering Food and Drink Technologies Information Technology : Software Development Scientific Technologies ( Lab Skills ) Social Services and Healthcare Social Services : Children and Young People
An FA contains several Scottish Qualifications Authority ( SQA ) subjects that you will study throughout your time in the classroom , and you will carry out a project as part of the work-based challenge in our industry-standard practical work areas or your FA may take the form of a weekly work placement . The mix of subjects and approaches taken will ensure the skills , techniques and knowledge you learn as you complete your FA are confirmed by actually doing , showing and recording your competence – that is your ability to do the things you have been shown and apply the knowledge you have learned .
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Does an FA differ from other school / college subjects ?
The Level 4 and 5 FAs are studied over one year and differ from your other national qualifications , with part of your time spent on work-based challenge projects , visits from local business or organisations , learning and doing real work .
Level 6 FAs are studied over one or two years , with a large part of the course spent on a work placement with a local business or organisation .
The other main difference is that the FA has no big exams in May / June each year like National 5s and Highers . 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 .)
An apprenticeship helps you build the experience and skills that employers want to see .
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