Three Foundation Apprenticeship induction events have allowed school pupils to find out more about what’s involved in the programme.
The events held recently at Forth Valley College’s Stirling Campus, Falkirk Campus and Alloa Campus attracted dozens of school pupils who will be starting their FA course in August. The Army even turned up to organise some ice-breaker introduction activities at the campuses.
Foundation Apprenticeships 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.
These innovative programmes, being offered in partnership with Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire schools, will link senior school pupils with local employers and aim to help them build their future careers. Upon completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship pupils can progress onto a Modern Apprenticeship, college study or a university degree.
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, which are at the same level as Higher qualifications, 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 learning at college and also benefit from high quality work experience with local employers.
For more information on Foundation Apprenticeships at FVC and the application process, please contact schools.co-ordinator@forthvalley.ac.uk , call 01324 403211 or visit www.forthvalley.ac.uk/FA