Foundation Apprenticeships (SCQF Level 6) which are the equivalent of a Higher grade, are proving to be an excellent way to help senior school pupils progress into employment and further and higher education – and that’s a fact.
Forth Valley College figures show a steady rise in the number of their FA graduates moving on to Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) and full-time college and university courses in only three years.
Since 2018 the number of FAs moving on to a MA at Forth Valley College has risen from three to 22, FAs moving on to full-time college courses has risen from 13 to 77 and this doesn’t even include all of the FAs taking up a place at university.
Additionally, several more FAs have taken up places on the College’s range of nine innovative partnership degree courses in association with three of Scotland’s leading Universities (Stirling, Heriot-Watt, Strathclyde).
The numbers speak for themselves and these courses are designed for school pupils moving into S4, S5 and S6 in August 2021, allowing them to sign up for vocational courses as one of their subject options, alongside their school-based National and Higher qualifications.
Foundation Apprenticeships (SCQF Level 6) are at the same level as a Higher, are studied over two years or in many cases can be completed in one year, and involve learning in the workplace with a local employer, as well as studying at college. Successful completion of most Foundation Apprenticeships gives a guaranteed place on an HNC at the college, or a head start with a Modern Apprenticeship. The qualifications are also accepted by all Scottish universities as equivalent to a Higher.
Forming part of FVC’s School Partnership range of courses, an FA can enhance, improve and develop on what senior school pupils are learning at high school – and the College already works closely with all 18 secondary schools in the Forth Valley area so they are well experienced in this field.
It is a real win, win situation as it gives pupils a taste of what to expect in further or higher education, and takes the anxiety away from them when they eventually leave school and make their next step in education. It also encourages more independence, responsibility and maturity and allows them to experience a whole range of leisure activities and social networks.
FVC offer 10 Foundation Apprenticeships at SCQF Level 6 (same level as Higher study) normally for those pupils in S5 and S6. These include: Accountancy, Business Skills, Creative and Digital Media, Civil Engineering, Engineering, IT Hardware and Software, Scientific Technologies, Social Services Children and Young People, and Social Services: Healthcare.
Izzac Fyall (18) from Dollar, has progressed through a Foundation Apprenticeship onto the HND Accounting and is now calculating for a place at university.
“As I have a keen interest in maths and business, studying at the College has allowed me to go down the Accounting route and learn more about what I’m interested in and enjoy.
“From the moment I started my FA, it gave me a step up and ahead of the game on others by having more relevant experience and knowledge about the subject. Studying and completing a FA at the College and having this knowledge, allowed me to secure a place on the HND Accounting course, which upon completion, could allow me to find a good job or even progress onto second or third year of some university courses.
“I would recommend potential students to the College, as unlike university which is a huge jump straight from school, where you are thrown into the deep end without much help, it can prepare you. College is a bit like school, but with a lot more freedom, and can get you much more prepared for university or employment than just going straight into it.”
Pupils interested in these courses should talk to their pupil support teacher. For more information visit, click here or contact schools.coordinator@forthvalley.ac.uk or call 01324 403211.