Forth Valley College’s first ever cohort of Health and Social Care Foundation Apprentices (FA) have graduated after completing their two year qualification.
The six students - Chloe Galbraith (17), Lucy Hammerton (18) and Jenna Hannigan (17) all former Larbert High School pupils and Gayle Robertson (17), Zoe Sinclair (18) and Rebecca Townsend (17) all former Bo’ness Academy pupils - who all started their FAs while at high school through the Pathfinder programme, have all now left secondary school.
The students will receive SQA and Skills Development Scotland (SDS) certification in August 2017. The college marked the occasion by organising a special presentation ceremony in the Falkirk Campus boardroom on Tuesday 6 June where programme lecturer Robin Young presented them with a certificate for their positive workplace experience.
Nicola McArthur, Curriculum Manager in FVC’s Department of Care, Health and Sport, said:
“We are extremely proud of our first Foundation Apprenticeship students who are completing their programme this year. The group have worked incredibly hard undertaking significant work place experience as part of this, whilst also in their senior phase of school.
“This has shown to be a valued qualification with our students moving into positive destinations in this field being able to share the experiences they have gained. The Foundation Apprenticeship programme will continue to support workforce development in this area, with progression routes into employment and further study.”
Forth Valley College is recruiting now for its four Foundation Apprenticeships, which will offer S5 pupils from local schools the opportunity to complete elements of a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) while still at school, gaining the skills and experience that employers need.
The innovative scheme will link the college with local employers and aims to help senior school pupils to build their future careers. Upon completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship pupils can progress onto a Modern Apprenticeship, college study or a university degree.
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.
They 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.
The innovative frameworks are based on the success of existing MA qualifications. Pupils will embark on the programmes in S5 with the duration varying depending on the subject area. Pupils will spend time undertaking hands-on learning at college and with a training provider and also benefit from high quality work experience with local employers such as the Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils, the Prudential and other local business partners.
Fiona Brown, Associate Principal for Forth Valley College said:
“We are delighted to be offering senior school pupils the opportunity to come to the college and study for a Foundation Apprenticeship qualification. Forth Valley College is already a leading provider of Modern Apprenticeships and it is a great fit for us to add these new programmes to our diverse portfolio.
“The qualifications will be an excellent starting point for young people who would like to move into a Modern Apprenticeship, further education or employment when they leave school and will give them an even greater chance of landing the role they are looking for. The skills they develop will be highly valued by employers and the pupils will get the opportunity to gain experience not available at school.”
Diane Greenlees, Head of Foundation and Graduate Level Apprenticeships at Skills Development Scotland said:
“By combining learning at college and in a real workplace Foundation Apprenticeships are the ideal way for pupils to gain real experience working on real projects with some of Scotland’s biggest and best employers.
“Foundation Apprenticeships are based on existing Modern Apprenticeships and equip young people with the qualifications, experience and skills that employers want, so individuals who find they thrive in a work-based setting can go on to complete a related Modern Apprenticeship in less time, helping them to get a head start in their career. They are also recognised qualifications for admission to College and University courses.
“SDS is delighted to be working with Forth Valley College to deliver Foundation Apprenticeships and we look forward to working together to develop the skills employers need.”
For more information on Foundation Apprenticeships at FVC and the application process, please contact schools.co-ordinator@forthvalley.ac.uk or call 01324 403211.