Foundation Apprenticeships – tell us your views

We'd love to hear your opinion on the future direction of Foundation Apprenticeships.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS), on behalf of the Scottish Government-led Foundation Apprenticeship Enhancement Group, wants your views on the proposed principles and guidance that will shape the future of the product currently known as Foundation Apprenticeships.

A Short Life Working Group – made up of representatives from the industry, education, skills and qualifications sectors – has developed a draft set of principles and guidance for a redesigned Foundation Apprenticeship.

Foundation Apprenticeships exist to give young people in the senior phase of school an opportunity to combine classroom learning with real workplace experience. Learners develop the skills and capabilities employers need while gaining an industry-recognised qualification.

Since 2016, Foundation Apprenticeships have been available across a range of subjects and SCQF levels. As the programme develops, the aim is to ensure it remains a high-quality, inclusive pathway that helps young people understand the workplace environment through sustained support from employers and industry.

The draft principles and guidance recognise the unique strengths and successes that Foundation Apprenticeships have delivered within the senior phase. A key priority has been to retain the broad range of progression opportunities that Foundation Apprenticeships offer – this includes routes into employment, further education and higher education – while continuing to widen access to the programme and remove barriers to participation.

This consultation invites you to give feedback on the draft proposals. It'll be used to help inform the future development of Foundation Apprenticeships in Scotland.

Two women stand in a classroom.

These proposed principles could shape the future of Foundation Apprenticeships

Principle 1: Foundation Apprenticeships and the Employer Role

Principle 2: Foundation Apprenticeships and Workplace Skills, Capabilities and Competence

Principle 3: Foundation Apprenticeships Framework Content and Design

Principle 4: Foundation Apprenticeships and Approach to Delivery

Principle 5: Foundation Apprenticeships Approach to Assessment

Principle 6: Foundation Apprenticeships Support and Supervision

Principle 7: Foundation Apprenticeships Duration and Certification

Principle 8: Foundation Apprenticeships Progression and Recognition

Principle 9: Foundation Apprenticeships Availability

Principle 10: Foundation Apprenticeships Learner Choice

Principle 11: Foundation Apprenticeships Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Principle 12: Foundation Apprenticeships Quality and Experience

Here's everything you need to provide feedback on the proposed Foundation Apprenticeship principles and guidance

LINE IN HERE ABOUT METHOD FOR SUBMITTING FEEDBACK (SURVEYMONKEY OR EMAIL ADDRESS ETC) ONCE WE HAVE IT.