Foundation Apprenticeships

What is a Foundation Apprenticeship?

Foundation Apprenticeships bridge the gap between school and the workplace. It's a qualification over 1 or 2 years that allows students to gain work experience while they are still at school. They're designed to provide young people with real experience of the world of work, whilst gaining a qualification at the same level as a Scottish Higher (SCQF 6). Students would choose a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of their subject choices in S5 or S6 and would do this alongside their other subjects. Students must be able to work at SVQ level 6 and meet the entry requirements of the course. Students will spend time in a real workplace, helping them to develop new skills and gain valuable experience. 

Course information and entry requirements

The Foundation Apprenticeship framework offers courses in seven subject areas, you can view the course information and the entry requirements in our Foundation Apprenticeship directory below:

How is a Foundation Apprenticeship delivered

Students will have the choice of studying for a Foundation Apprenticeship over 1 or 2 years, the difference is the time required out of school.

• 2 year programme - delivered by attending college 2 half days per week in the first year (Tuesday and Thursday afternoons) and progressing to 1 half day at college (Tuesday afternoon) and 1 full day on work placement in the second year (Thursday).
• 1 year programme - delivered as 2 full days out of school per week, 1 day at college (Tuesday), and 1 day on work placement (Thursday).

While in college students will develop the essential skills and knowledge they will need on work placement. Assessments will be carried out throughout a student’s time at college and the workplace. The employer will identify a mentor who will support the students during their time in placement. Students will work towards industry recognised qualifications including Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), National Certificates (NC), and National Progression Awards (NPAs).

Frameworks

South Lanarkshire Council’s Foundation apprenticeship programme is delivered in partnership with South Lanarkshire College and New College Lanarkshire. Young people take part in a blend of classroom based learning and work placements and can choose to take part over one or two years.

Classroom based learning will take place in college campuses. 

Courses at South Lanarkshire College, East Kilbride:

• Accountancy (2 year course) 
• Business Skills (1 year course) 
• Creative Digital Media (2 year course) 
• Social Services and Healthcare (1 year and 2 year course options)
• Social Services Children and Young People (1 year and 2 year course options)
• IT Software Development (2 year course)

Courses at New College Lanarkshire, Motherwell campus:

• Engineering (2 year course) 
• Creative Digital Media (1 year course) 

How to apply

To apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship at South Lanarkshire College, East Kilbride or New College Lanarkshire, Motherwell please complete our online application form below.

If you have any questions before applying please email youth.employability@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.