FA Engineering (Schools) - Two Year Option
Please note that only secondary school pupils staying on at school and who will be starting S5 or S6 in August 2026 are eligible to apply for this course.
This Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering is a great way to get hands-on experience and also gain a qualification at the same level as a Higher. Pupils will have the unique chance to develop skills and knowledge across a range of engineering topics in the classroom and gain valuable experience of the engineering industry.
Please note that the course you are applying for is split across two sessions. When submitting your application, the dates displayed will be for the June Induction in session 2025/26. Once successfully enrolled on this session, you will automatically be transferred to the 2026/27 session, which begins in August, for the remainder of the course.
The deadline for applications is Friday 27 March 2026 but early applications are encouraged.
Content
What qualifications will pupils achieve?
On successful completion, pupils will achieve a Foundation Apprenticeship (Group Award) in Engineering at SCQF Level 6 (the same level as Highers), which includes:
- A National Certificate in Engineering Systems at SCQF Level 6 (this course consists of 12 units)
- Five work-based units from the SVQ in Performing Engineering Operations
Attendance
Year One
- Pupils will attend Forth Valley College or a local secondary school for six hours per week all year (this is likely to be two half days).
Year Two
- Pupils will attend Forth Valley College or a local secondary school for six hours per week (two half days) all year.
(Please note that this course continues throughout periods of study leave from school and it is very important that pupils attend during these periods, except on exam days).
All travel to College is funded.
Career Paths
- After further study, this course can lead to careers in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Fabrication or Welding Engineering
Progression
- Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering
- Pre-Apprenticeship in Engineering
- HNC Fabrication, Welding and Inspection (Full time 1 year)
- HNC/HND Mechanical, Electrical (Full time 2 years)
Entry requirements
- Pupils will be working towards achieving one or two Highers over S5 and S6 and their school will need to confirm that they are ready to study at Higher level
- Pupils will need to have completed or be working towards at least National 5 in Maths and either Physics, Engineering, Science or a technical subject in S5 and be predicted to pass these courses at grade C or above
More Info
Further advice for School College Programme and Foundation Apprenticeship applications:
• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as; the reason you are applying, future career plans, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited to an information session
• If your application is unsuccessful, you should speak to a guidance teacher or SDS school liaison officer.
• If you are unable to attend the information session or wish to withdraw your application, please email the School Partnership team - Schools.Co-ordinator@forthvalley.ac.uk