Description

This Foundation Apprenticeship helps pupils learn to communicate with people who use care services, and understand and support the social and developmental needs they have.

The qualification

SCQF level 6

The Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare includes:

  • A National Progression Award (NPA) in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF level 6
  • Four units of an SCQF level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare 
  • A substantial work placement

Example of course units include:

  • NPA
    - Social services in Scotland
    - Safeguarding people
  • SCQF
    - Develop your own knowledge and practice
    - Support the safeguarding of individuals
Entry requirements

Pupils should have a good level of written and spoken English. Communication with users of service as well as with staff in the workplace is a key competence. Ability to work with others, problem solve and a commitment to appropriate values is necessary. Pupils are required to undergo a PVG prior to placement.

Potential apprentices are selected by their school and will undertake a recruitment process arranged by the learning provider. Employers are encouraged to get involved in this process.

Progression and development

Pupils will have the right skills to move from this to a Modern Apprenticeship in a social services subject; or may decide to move on to further or higher education. If you look to hire, the Foundation Apprenticeship offers you an opportunity to spot talented pupils, and assess their skills on a longer term than a regular interview process would allow.

SCQF qualification levels explained

Download the framework document

Your role

As an employer, you can decide what level of involvement you have in the apprenticeship You can discuss this with the college or local authority you’re working with.

There’s no financial cost to you as an employer because the learner is still at school. However, the investment of your time - great or small - can bring you lasting rewards with access to talented and driven young people for your workplace.

The work placement

upils study a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of their school subjects usually in fifth or sixth year.

Placement experience takes place in both S5 and S6. In S5 pupils may complete an industry challenge project based on a care practice issue, whereby they could spend up to 10 days familiarising themselves with a care setting and the care practice issue. In S6 each pupil must complete a work placement of approximately one day a week to help them build the evidence needed to complete the units from the SVQ.

We recommend that placements are in community care or in day care resources for adults or older adults.

What's next?

Fill out our contact form and we'll connect you with your local learning provider who can talk to you about working with Foundation Apprenticeships.

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