Foundation Apprenticeships
Foundation Apprenticeships are a blended learning approach combining a work-based qualification with academic learning and industry involvement.
Starting in senior phase, the Foundation Apprenticeship at Orkney College UHI takes two years to complete.
Learners spend part of the week out of school at the college doing hands-on learning. They'll also undertake quality work experience with employers and at the end they will receive an industry-recognised qualification.
Progression routes from a Foundation Apprenticeship
Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare
Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare
SCQF Level 6
This course will run for two days per week over two years, covering Higher studies in Health and Social Care combined with work experience in a Care setting and a number of SVQ modules.
Learners could progress to the Modern Apprenticeship in a Care setting in Orkney.
Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Childcare
Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Childcare
SCQF Level 6
The Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Social Services Children and Young People is for pupils in S5 and S6.
In S5, pupils complete a National Progression Award (NPA) at SCQF level 6. This includes knowledge units that support pupils to develop an understanding of how children develop and learn, play and child protection.
In S6, they complete the four mandatory units of the SVQ 2 Social Services Children and Young People. The NPA provides knowledge and an introduction to the skills that will help pupils to complete the SVQ units.
These two parts, along with associated work placement, form the Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services Children and Young People.
The Foundation Apprenticeship will be certificated by SQA. On successful completion of the components of the Foundation Apprenticeship, learners will achieve a Joint Qualification Certificate for the Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services Children and Young People (GL7A 46). They will also receive certification for each of the component parts (NPA and SVQ Units).
Candidates intending to leave school at the end of S6 with minimum of one or more Highers includling English and National 5s - essential criteria as follows:
- Achieved or working towards Higher English (A-C) by end of S6
- Achieved or working towards National 5s (A-C) by end of S6
- PVG Check required
- Candidates must have an interest in developing greater awareness of the industry with a potential desire to pursue as a career
- Candidates must be capable of working at Level 6 (Higher) over S5 and S6
Foundation Apprenticeship in Information Technology - Software Development
Foundation Apprenticeship in Information Technology - Software Development
SCQF Level 6
The Foundation Apprenticeship in Information Technology is designed
to provide S5 pupils opportunities to develop skills and knowledge for entry into a career in the IT sector.
It also contributes directly to achievement of the Modern Apprenticeship in IT and Telecoms by attainment of the core units of the MA qualification.
Scotland is highly dependent on its IT and Telecoms workforce – it underpins the economy and is integral to information, business and consumer services, health and leisure and modern day social networking.
The Foundation Apprenticeship in IT Software covers the following topics:
- Computing: Applications Development
- Computing: Authoring a Website
- Software Design and Development
Candidates intending to leave school at the end of S6 with minimum of one or more Highers incl. Maths and National 5s - essential criteria as follows:
- Achieved or working towards Higher Maths (A-C) by end of S6
- Achieved or working towards National 5s (A-C) by end of S6
- Candidates must have an interest in developing greater awareness of the industry with a potential de-sire to pursue as a career.
- Candidates must be capable of working at Level 6 (Higher).
Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills
This programme has been designed if you are interested in pursuing a career within the business or service sector, or intend to progress into further study in this area.
To enrol on this programme you should also be studying Higher Business Management at school since units from the Higher form part of the programme.
The course comprise the following:
- National Progression Award (NPA) in Business Skills (comprising six units including two units from Higher Business Management)
- SVQ Level 3 Business and Administration (four units)
- Work placement
Entry requirements for the programme
There are no formal entry requirements for studying a Foundation Apprenticeship however as this is a level 6 SCQF award, you should be working towards achieving at this level. The Course Leader will be able to provide individual guidance.
Study mode
- YEAR 1 (fast track): This option will be discussed at interview.
YEAR 1 (two year programme): One day per week or two half days
Plus Placement (10 hours per week) if fast track or half day if over two years
Progression
Upon successful completion the following are examples of what you are able to do next:
- Progression into employment
- Progression onto a Modern Apprenticeship – (by completing the four remaining units from the SVQ Level 3 Business and Administration; this will lead to the award of the full SVQ in Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship Business and Administration)
- Progression to HNC Business
- Progression to University programmes