Creative and Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship
Description
This Foundation Apprenticeship gives pupils skills and knowledge for an exciting creative career. Future storytellers, techies, designers and creative thinkers can bring their ideas to life. You can support them to prepare for roles in areas such as:
architecture
TV, radio, film and video
fashion and textiles
cultural heritage
design
journalism and publishing
music and visual arts
gaming
social media
Examples of course units include:
National Progression Award (NPA)
Create industries: an introduction - Scotland
Creative industries: understanding a creative brief
Diploma
Communicating using digital marketing/sales channels
Using digital and social media in marketing campaigns
Apprenticeship framework(s)
Successful candidates will achieve a Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media at SCQF Level 6. This is the same level of learning as an SQA Higher.
SCQF qualification levels explained
Select Level 6 to see the framework document and qualification at that level.
a National Progression Award (NPA) in Creative and Digital Media at SCQF Level 6
core units of a Diploma in Creative Digital Media at SCQF Level 7
a media project unit at SCQF Level 6
a work placement
SCQF qualification levels explained
Download Foundation Apprenticeship - Creative and Digital Media SCQF Level 6 framework document
Entry requirements
It's expected that pupils will have an interest in the sector. They don't need formal qualifications but should understand and appreciate different technologies. Pupils should also have soft skills such as working efficiently and in teams. Good communication and IT skills would be beneficial.
The pupil would select a Foundation Apprenticeship as a school subject choice. Then they'd go through a recruitment process arranged by the college, or other learning provider. It's great if you can get involved, too.
Progression and development
Pupils will get the skills, knowledge and competence to help them move on to:
a Modern Apprenticeship
more vocational training
further study at school or college
These will help them to prepare for working in a range of creative subjects, such as:
creative and digital media
creative and cultural skills
digital applications
If you're looking to hire, Foundation Apprenticeships help you spot talented pupils. You can assess their skills on a longer term than a regular interview process would allow.
How does it work?
During the apprenticeship, each pupil must complete a work placement of about 1 day a week in S6. That helps them build the evidence needed to complete the units from the SVQ.
Input by industry and employers from the start is very important. It helps with setting the media project in context and supports the whole journey.
Pupils will learn some practical skills needed to develop their skills base. That means there will be industry experience in S5 as well as the placement in S6.
Cost and funding
There’s no financial cost to you as an employer because the learner is still at school. But investing your time can bring rewards, with access to talented young people in your workplace.
How long will it take?
It can take 1 year or 2 years. Pupils study a Level 6 Foundation Apprenticeship as one of their school subjects, usually over S5 and/or S6.
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.