A new apprenticeship for school pupils available at Forth Valley College has been backed by a Stirling Council early years education professional.
Carolyn Love, Education Development Officer, Early Years and Early Intervention, with Stirling Council, says the innovative Foundation Apprenticeship Social Services (Children and Young People) will help young people get a head start in their careers.
Carolyn said:
“Early Years is currently going through a period of huge transformational change. This means by 2020 we will be looking to almost double the current early years workforce across Scotland.
“Foundation Apprenticeships are an excellent route into the workforce. They provide a true foundation on which to build relevant career skills and experiences.
“Within Stirling, there are now two routes in which to move on from the Foundation Apprenticeship programme. One is by moving on into further education within Forth Valley College to complete an HNC in Childhood Practice and with credits gained in the course of the FA, students are able to gain direct entry into the HNC course – and with time being of the essence – this means it can be completed in one year.
“Option two is to apply for the new Early Years Modern Apprenticeship Programme within Stirling Council where young people can continue in the practical learning route over a two-year period, while also working towards an SVQ3 level qualification which is equal to the HNC.
“Forth Valley College and Stirling Council Early Years have an excellent working relationship which allows for a seamless progression from school to college to the workplace.
“The FA in Early Years is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain hands-on experience in the role of an Early Childhood Educator. It offers high quality practical experience while also providing the opportunity to gain further qualifications equal to a Higher.”
Jeanette McCulloch, Curriculum Manager in FVC’s Department of Care, Health and Sport, said:
“The practical experience and employability skills developed through the FA programme equip learners with the skills and knowledge for the realities of the workplace whilst also supporting a range of further study opportunities.
“Undertaking a broader range of study within the senior phase can give an advantage no matter what route they choose to progress.
“With the significant expansion of the Early Learning and Childcare sector, demand for qualified and experienced staff in this field is set to rise.
“Foundation Apprenticeships are fantastic way to develop a broad and transferrable skillset whilst also gaining qualifications and workplace experience, whether you are looking to explore a career in Early Learning and Childcare or Primary teaching."
Diane Greenlees, Head of Foundation and Graduate Level Apprenticeships at SDS, said:
“Foundation Apprenticeships have been developed to combine academic learning with hands-on skills to develop the knowledge, skills and work experience that will help to broaden options for students, enabling them to go on to complete a Modern Apprenticeship, attend college or university or go directly into employment.”
Forth Valley College is recruiting now for four Foundation Apprenticeships, which will offer S4 pupils from local schools the opportunity to complete elements of a Modern Apprenticeship while still at school.
In academic years 2017-19, an expanded set of Foundation Apprenticeships will be available in Social Services and Healthcare, Children and Young People and Business Skills all based at the Stirling Campus and Engineering based at the Falkirk Campus. All are due to start at the end of August.
Foundation Apprenticeships have been developed by SDS in partnership with employers, colleges and Sector Skills Councils to create stronger links between education and industry.
For more information on Foundation Apprenticeships at FVC and the application process, please contact schools.co-ordinator@forthvalley.ac.uk or call 01324 403211.