Gaming, virtual reality, cyber security – the digital world is changing fast. You could help decide where it goes next.
In Scotland, over 90,000 people work in digital technology roles. The current average full-time salary for digital technology roles is £37,500, which is over 30% higher than the Scottish average of £28,000.
With this Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll be setting yourself up for roles that are in demand not just now, but in the future too such as:
- Software or web developer
- Database administrator
- Network manager
What's the qualification?
You’ll gain a Foundation Apprenticeship in IT: Software Development, which is the same level of learning as an SQA Higher (SCQF level 6).
This includes:
- A National Progression Award (NPA) in Software Development at SCQF level 6
- Core units of a Diploma for IT & Telecommunications Professionals at SCQF level 6
- A work placement
What will I learn?
For your National Progression Award, your topics will be:
- Computing Applications: Development
- Computing: Authoring a Website
- Software Design and Development
In S6, you’ll work in a hands-on, practical way as part of your work placement, towards achieving the five units of your Diploma:
- Data Modelling
- Investigating and Defining Customer Requirements for IT and Telecoms Systems
- Health and Safety in IT and Telecom
- Personal Effectiveness
And one of the following:
- Event Driven Computer Programming
- Procedural Programming
- Object Oriented Computer Programming
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 IT and Telecoms, giving you a head start.
- A Graduate Apprenticeship: You'll have the right skills and experience to progress to a Graduate Apprenticeship in IT: Software Development.
- Further Education: Continue your studies at college, with an HNC or HND in an ICT and digital subject. 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 ICT and digital technologies 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.