Scientific Technologies
Foundation Apprenticeship
Description
This Foundation Apprenticeship will help pupils develop the skills they need to prepare for a science-based career.
In Scotland, there's a high demand for people with STEM skills. You can support young people to choose a career in this thriving sector and help develop vital medicines and biotechnology.
A Foundation Apprenticeship is a great way for young people to enter the industry!
Examples of course units include:
National Progression Award (NPA)
laboratory safety
mathematics for science
Diploma
prepare compounds and solutions for scientific or technical use
carry out simple scientific or technical tests using manual equipment
Apprenticeship framework(s)
Successful candidates will achieve a Foundation Apprenticeship in Scientific Technologies at SCQF Level 6. This is the same level of learning as an SQA Higher.
Select SCQF Level 6 to view the framework document and qualification at that level.
SCQF Level 6
a National Progression Award (NPA) in Applied Sciences at SCQF Level 6
core units of an SVQ in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (Industrial Science) at SCQF Level 6
a work placement
Download Foundation Apprenticeship - Scientific Technologies SCQF Level 6 framework document
Entry requirements
Pupils don't need formal qualifications for entry, but should have:
good written and spoken English
numeracy skills
an interest in working within a scientific technology environment
problem-solving skills
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 as well.
Progression and development
Pupils will develop the skills, knowledge and competence they need to move on to:
a Modern Apprenticeship
more vocational training
further study at school or college
These will help them prepare for working in science-based jobs.
If you're looking to hire, Foundation Apprenticeships allow you to spot talented pupils. You can assess their skills over a longer period of time than a regular interview process would allow.
How does it work?
In S5, pupils spend up to 10 days learning about the science industries. The learning provider facilitates this, in collaboration with the employer.
Each pupil will then complete a work placement of around one day per week in S6. This placement helps them build the evidence they need to complete the units from the SVQ.
Work placements must be with science employers. This can't be a simulated placement within a school or college laboratory.
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 one year or two 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.