Foundation Apprenticeship
A Foundation Apprenticeship ( or FA as it is often referred to as ) is a vocational qualification that provides the opportunity to develop new knowledge and skills in the classroom whilst also experiencing work-based learning in a local business or organisation .
The FA actually includes some elements of a Modern Apprenticeship ( MA ) and enables you to gain your FA qualification , work experience and work-based learning as part of your timetable whilst you are still at school !
There are currently up to 12 Foundation Apprenticeships on offer in Fife covering :
Accountancy Business Skills Civil Engineering Creative and Digital Media Engineering Financial Services Food and Drink Technologies Information Technology : Hardware / System Support Information Technology : Software Development Scientific Technologies ( Lab Skills ) Social Services and Healthcare Social Services : Children and Young People
CASE STUDY
Kirsty Doyle - School Studying Skills for Work : Energy
“ I was always interested in girls working in energy because from a young age I always got the impression that only boys could do engineering – so being able to do it with a group of girls and even learn about women in engineering was really interesting .
On a Thursday afternoon , I would attend college instead of school which in itself was a big change . Especially because you ’ re around older people in the College and learning in what seems to be a more mature environment .
At school , the engineering subjects tend to be male-dominated and it can be hard to concentrate in the school environment . It ’ s been nice to come to college and study on campus .
When I was at college , it was a mix of practical and theoretical work , again so different to school . The assignments were based on things like oil and gas , renewable energies , insulation and soldering in the workshop – it was good to have this mix of theory and practical . There were also opportunities to go on class group trips to meet people in the Engineering industry .
After completing this course , I ’ m planning to stay on at school into 5th and 6th year . I ’ d really like to do a Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering . My overall ambition is become a firefighter .”
Fife College Degree Guide 2021 / 22 | 13