Three Foundation Apprenticeship induction events have allowed school pupils and their parents to find out more about what’s involved in the programme.
The events held at Forth Valley College’s Stirling Campus (19 June), Falkirk Campus (20 June) and Alloa Campus (21 June), attracted dozens of S5 school pupils who will be starting their FA course in August.
After a short presentation from Ernie Romer FVC’s School Partnership Coordinator, parents were invited to ask questions about the programme, while their teenage children took part in team bonding activities – such as paper tower building - and some practical course work, such as surveying.
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.
In academic year 2018-2019, Foundation Apprenticeships will be available in Social Services and Healthcare; Social Services Children and Young People; Business Skills; IT Hardware System Support ; Engineering; Accountancy; Civil Engineering; Creative and Digital Media and Scientific Technologies.
Iasha Craig, FVC Foundation Apprenticeship Support Officer, said: “This is the first time that we have conducted induction sessions for Foundation Apprenticeships and we were delighted to have more than 100 young people and parents or carers attend over the three sessions. They all joined in the team building sessions with a number of interesting solutions to the problems set. All in all it was a worthwhile exercise for both pupils, parents and staff. Thanks to Wai Mun Lee FVC’s Leisure Facilities Coordinator for all his efforts”
Graeme Hendry, National Manager for Foundation Apprenticeships at Skills Development Scotland, said: “Foundation Apprenticeships allow senior phase pupils the opportunity to experience the world of work and learning beyond school.
“With 250 Foundation Apprenticeship places on offer across Forth Valley, this is the ideal opportunity for learners to develop the skills and knowledge that employers want, while gaining an industry-recognised qualification.”
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
