What's Financial Services like?
Get a head start in the world of business, accountancy and banking. 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 or customer service and move into management. You could take on a wide range of roles, such as:
- banker
- investment banker
- financial advisor
- pensions specialist
- insurance broker
- insurance underwriter
What's the qualification?
You’ll gain a Foundation Apprenticeship in Financial Services. That's the same level of learning as an SQA Higher, which is 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:
- improve and maintain a workplace environment
- make good working relationships
- comply with regulations
Your Foundation Apprenticeship will also help you to develop meta-skills. Employers value these skills, which include:
- communication
- problem-solving
- working with others
- time management
You'll need these transferable skills for working in a range of other related jobs.
Where could it take me?
Your Foundation Apprenticeship gives you lots of options, including:
- Modern Apprenticeship:When you complete your Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll have achieved core units of the Modern Apprenticeship in Providing Financial Services. You can also progress to a Modern Apprenticeship in a related subject, such as 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: All Scottish universities recognise Foundation Apprenticeships as equal to SQA Highers. You’ll already have 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 do the Foundation Apprenticeship alongside your other school subjects. You'll work on projects with an employer and a learning provider, such as a college. It'll give you an industry-recognised qualification that's great for your CV.
Read our brilliant Financial Services Foundation Apprenticeship info to see how it all works!
How can I apply?
If you're staying on at school, you can apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship.
Use the search tool to find out if this subject is available at your school. Then fill out the form that comes next, to let us know you're interested. We'll get back to you with more information.