Every child deserves the best start in life to grow up happy, healthy and confident. You can help make sure this happens.
With this Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of different childcare roles. Look after young children, organise fun activities and give children and their families vital support by working in this industry. The roles could be:
- Social worker
- Nanny
- Nursery worker
- Childminder
- Playworker
In Scotland, over 203,000 people work in social services. The number of jobs are still growing, and there are great opportunities for progression, too.
What's the qualification?
You’ll gain a Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services (Children and Young People), which is the same level of learning as an SQA Higher (SCQF level 6).
This includes:
- A National Progression Award (NPA) in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 6
- Core units of an SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 6
- A work placement
What I will learn?
For your National Progression Award, your topics will be:
- Safeguarding of Children and Young People
- Play for Children and Young People
- Communication with Children and Young People
- Development of Children and Young People
- Promote the Wellbeing and Safety of Children and Young People
To achieve your SVQ units, you’ll be assessed as part of your work placement. You’ll learn how to:
- Support effective communication
- Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals
- Develop your own knowledge and practice
- Support the safeguarding of children
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 which can help you progress to the Modern Apprenticeship in Social Services (Children and Young People) giving you a head start.
- Further Education: Continue your studies at college, with an HNC or HND in a social services or childcare 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 social 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.