What's Social Services (Children and Young People) like?
Every child deserves the best start in life so they grow up to be happy, healthy and confident. You can help make sure this happens - and a Foundation Apprenticeship is a great place to start.
You'd look after young children, support them and their families and do fun activities. Typical roles could include:
- social worker
- nanny
- nursery worker
- childminder
- playworker
In Scotland, over 176,000* people work in social care and there are great opportunities for progression.
*Sector Skills Assessment 2022
What's the qualification?
You’ll gain a Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services (Children and Young People). That's the same level of learning as an SQA Higher, at 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 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 to progress to the Modern Apprenticeship in Social Services (Children and Young People). That gives you a great 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: 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 social 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 info on the Social Services (Children and Young People) Foundation Apprenticeship 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.