Get a head start in the world of business, accountancy and banking. You could manage the money that keeps everything else ticking along. Financial services are part of every single business in the country. So, you’ll have plenty of options.
You could start your career in banking, and progress to being a customer service adviser or move on to management. You could take on a wide range of insurance roles, such as:
- Broker
- Underwriter
- Claims handler
- Loss adjuster
- Risk surveyor
What's the qualification?
You’ll gain a Foundation Apprenticeship in Financial Services, which is the same level of learning as an SQA Higher (SCQF level 6).
This includes:
- A National Progression Award (NPA) in Financial Services at SCQF level 6
- Core units of an SVQ in Providing Financial Services at SCQF level 6
What will I learn?
For your National Progression Award, your topics will be:
- Financial Services: An Introduction
- Financial Services: The Regulatory Framework
- Financial Services: Communication
- Financial Services: Promoting Positive Customer Relationships
- Financial Services: Personal Finance Awareness
To achieve your SVQ units, you’ll be assessed as part of your work placement. You’ll learn how to:
- Develop yourself to improve and maintain workplace competence in a financial services environment
- Develop productive working relationships in a financial services environment
- Ensure you comply with regulations in the financial services environment
Your Foundation Apprenticeship will also help you to develop core skills valued by employers, particularly:
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Working with others
- Time management
These transferable skills are necessary and highly desirable for working in a range of other related jobs.
Where could it take me?
Your Foundation Apprenticeship gives you lots of options: it’s up to you where you go next.
- A Modern Apprenticeship: On completing your Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll have already achieved core units of the Modern Apprenticeship in Providing Financial Services. You’ll also have the right skills and experience to progress to a Modern Apprenticeship in a related subject, like Accounting or Business Skills.
- Further Education: Continue your studies at college, with an HNC or HND in financial services or accounting. Your workplace experience will support your college application.
- University: Foundation Apprenticeships are recognised as equivalent to SQA Highers by all Scottish universities. You’ll already have quality experience in the industry – this will make your UCAS stand out from the crowd. This apprenticeship also provides you with 42 UCAS tariff points. Find out more about points on the UCAS website.
- Straight to a job: Use your qualification and work experience to find a job in the financial services industry.
How will it work?
You'll complete your Foundation Apprenticeship alongside your other school subjects. You'll spend time working on projects supported by a learning provider, like a college, as well as an employer. It'll give you an industry recognised qualification which will look great on your CV.
How to apply
If you're staying on at school, you can apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship.
You can use the search tool to find out if this subject is available at your school. Then just fill out the form to let us know you're interested, and we'll get back to you with more information.