Foundation Apprenticeships changing the way the students learn Information for schools Opening Doors to Careers
contents 1 What is a Foundation Apprenticeship? 1 how does it work? 2 What are the advantages to students studying a Foundation Apprenticeship? 2 What makes it different to traditional courses? 3 ARE FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIPS ACCEPTED AS ENTRANCE TO UNIVERSITIES? 3 Who are the Foundation Apprenticeship courses aimed at? 4 What else do I need to know? 4 If a student asks me about Foundation Apprenticeships, where can I go for more information? 4 WHERE CAN STUDENTS PROGRESS TO AFTER COMPLETING A FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP? 5 WHAT EMPLOYERS DO WE WORK WITH? 5 HOW ARE THE PLACEMENTS MANAGED? 5 WHAT ABOUT TARIFF POINTS? 5 What courses are available for students to study at West Lothian College? 6-18 Course details 20 Case Study 21 Useful links
What is a Foundation Apprenticeship? Foundation Apprenticeships have been developed by Skills Development Scotland to maximise Scotland s young people s choices and enhance their prospects by supporting them to build the skills they need to be successful when they leave school. Foundation Apprenticeships are a new way of learning, they provide the skills, knowledge and networks needed to enhance student s future prospects through classroom based work and hands on work experience within a particular industry. Foundation Apprenticeships provide the opportunity for highly motivated and committed young people who are willing to learn, and are developing the skills needed for the workforce of the future, to work directly with employers. Students gain the hands on experience and skills employers are looking for How does it work? Starting in S4, S5 or S6, Foundation Apprenticeships usually take 2 years to undertake, although can be fast tracked depending on circumstances. The course is the same level as a higher level qualification (SCQF 6) and is part of the student s subject choice. Placements and Work Experience are a fundamental part of the course these will be organised and managed by the College. Foundation apprenticeships are a fundamental change to the approach to education in the senior phase and that s why we want more pupils to have access to more subjects. By august 2017 foundation apprenticeships should be on offer in every local authority area in scotland, and our ambition is to have them be part of every school s offer by 2020. Skills Development Scotland 1
West Lothian College was one of the first Colleges in Scotland to offer the Foundation Apprenticeship programme What are the advantages to students studying a Foundation Apprenticeship? Students can Achieve the Foundation Apprenticeship while still at school they will study this alongside their school courses, so they don t need to miss out on their school curriculum. Gain a qualification recognised and endorsed by employers and Universities SCQF Level 6. Visit local employers throughout the course and gain substantial work experience. Develop self-confidence, problem solving and leadership skills. Step into an exciting and growing industry that needs skilled people. Fast track entry to a Modern Apprenticeship. What makes it different to traditional courses? The courses combine the knowledge of theoretical practice with the skills required on the job, enhancing the student s career opportunities. We listened to industry experts and realised that not all jobs can be learned through theory, this is where Foundation Apprenticeships allow students to gain the real world skills needed by employers. Students will spend time in the classroom, at College and with a local employer. 2
ARE FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIPS ACCEPTED AS ENTRANCE TO UNIVERSITIES? Scottish Universities are accepting Foundation Apprenticeships as part of their entrance criteria. The below table shows the Universities that currently accept Foundation Apprenticeships, and any additional comments or restrictions. Discussions are ongoing with other Universities that are not on the current list, the list will be expanded on completion of these discussions. University University of Glasgow Abertay University University of Aberdeen University of Dundee Robert Gordon University University of the Highlands and Islands Heriot-Watt University Queen Margaret University University of Stirling Additional Information Across all faculties except Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Law Across all faculties Have indicated that an FA Social Services Children and Young People may be an advantage in applications for teaching, as it includes faceto-face classroom experience. Exemptions may apply for medicine, law and dentistry Exemptions may apply for medicine, law and dentistry Across all faculties Across all faculties Across all faculties. FA Engineering may be an advantage to applications to engineering Across all faculties Accept FAs as equivalent to one Higher at B Who are the Foundation Apprenticeship courses aimed at? S4, S5 and S6 students who want a new way of learning to enhance their career. School students who are planning to stay on at school but want to gain that extra something to make them stand out from the crowd. A Foundation Apprenticeship can lead straight into a job, further study at college or university, or a fast-track Modern Apprenticeship. Diane Greenlees, Head of Foundation and Graduate Level Apprenticeships, SDS 3
What else do I need to know? Foundation Apprenticeship courses usually run over 2 years but these courses are here to benefit the student, so the delivery of the programmes are flexible. If students are in 6th year, we can provide a flexible learning style to get students through the programme. Students will be learning at one of Scotland s highest performing Colleges, where 97% of students progress to employment or further study. West Lothian College will provide the grounding and guidance to help students achieve students potential, with a key tutor and dedicated support staff on hand to aid with every aspect of the course. Courses are delivered on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in year one, and for the full day on Tuesdays in year two. This time will be a mix of study in College, and industry placements. Course applications are being taken now and courses start in August 2017. If a student asks me about Foundation Apprenticeships, where can I go for more information? You can gain all the required information from www.west-lothian.ac.uk/pages/foundationapprenticeships or by emailing marketing@west-lothian.ac.uk WHERE CAN STUDENTS PROGRESS TO AFTER COMPLETING A FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP? Completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship course can lead to a variety of progression routes. Whether this is University study, a Modern Apprenticeship, or employment within the sector, Foundation Apprenticeships give students the skills and knowledge to enhance their career prospects. Graduate Apprenticeship Employment within the Sector Modern Apprenticeship Further/Higher Education 4 Foundation Apprenticeship
WHAT EMPLOYERS DO WE WORK WITH? We work with exciting and innovative organisations to deliver a bespoke programme relevant to the student s chosen Foundation Apprenticeship. Examples of employers who have supported our Foundation Apprentices are: Sky, AG Barr, Lareine Engineering, Mitsubishi, First Buses, Morrisons Construction, Balfour Beatty, West Lothian Council, Barclays, Blackhorse, Edinburgh Airport, and many more. HOW ARE THE PLACEMENTS MANAGED? Our College Employer Engagement Team manages the student s placements from start to finish by: Sourcing, agreeing and signing off all placements. Ensuring all placements are compliant with Health and Safety legislation. Providing support and addressing any concerns the students may have during their placements. WHAT ABOUT TARIFF POINTS? Foundation Apprenticeship Subject SCQF level SCQF Credits SCQF level SCQF Credits Total SCQF Credits Tariff Points Highers Equivalence Scores. Civil Engineering 6 72 6 30 102 680 3xA Engineering 6 50 + 5 59 + 109 + tbc tbc Financial 6 36 6 16 52 347 1xA & 1xC Services Social Services 6 24 6 37 61 407 2xA (Children & Young People) Social Services & 6 24 6 37 61 407 2xA Healthcare ICT Software 6 21 6 38 49 327 2xC Business Skills 6 30 6 21 51 340 1xB & 1xC What courses are available for students to study at West Lothian College? Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills Foundation Apprenticeship: Financial Services Foundation Apprenticeship: NC Civil Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services (Children and Young People) Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare Foundation Apprenticeship: IT Software Development So whether students are interested in business, finance, social care, computing or engineering, there is a Foundation Apprenticeship to suit students and their career ambitions. 5
Course details Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills (SCQF Level 6) Why study Business Skills? With 8% of Scottish citizens working in business administration or support services within West Lothian, there is an obvious demand for skilled employees within this area. The Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills is designed to equip learners for a career in the business sector. The Foundation Apprenticeship programme in Business is designed to meet the needs of employers both locally and nationally. Employers highly value the employability skills developed through similar courses (such as NPA and SVQ programmes) as they equip learners with the skills and knowledge for the realities of the workplace. The completion of this course will demonstrate to employers that students have the vocational skills and the ability to succeed in the business sector. The Business Skills Foundation Apprenticeship is grounded in the highly respected profession of Business Administration, whilst giving learners the opportunity to appreciate and understand other management functions. How will the course be delivered? The first year of the Foundation Apprenticeship will feature the National Progression Award, plus the new unit Contemporary Business Issues. The second year will mainly be delivered in the workplace, and will enable workplace competence to be developed. In addition, the Foundation Apprentices will complete the SCQF Level 6 Work Placement unit. The Foundation Apprenticeship will be certificated by SQA. On successful completion of the components of the Foundation Apprenticeship, learners will achieve a Joint Qualification Certificate for the Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills. They will also receive certification for each of the component parts below (NPA and SVQ Units). The units and layout of the course are below: GL8J 46 NPA in Business Skills with Information Technology H20R 76 Understanding Business Year 1 - In College H20S 76 Management of People and Finance Year 1 - In College FIFE 12 PC Passport: Word Processing and Presenting Information Year 1 - In College F1FJ 12 PC Passport: Spreadsheet and Database Year 1 - In College HE9E 46 Contemporary Business Issues Year 1 - In College HF88 46 Work Placement Year 1 - In College/ Work Placement (50/50) GK6Y 23 SVQ in Business and Administration (Part) FD9Y 04 Plan how to manage own performance in a business environment Year 2 - Work Placement FE02 04 Communicate in a business environment Year 2 - Work Placement FE04 04 Support other people to work in a business environment Year 2 - Work Placement FE0X 04 Design and produce documents in a business environment Year 2 - Work Placement 6
Recommended Activities in Year 1 (2017-18): Complete NPA in College on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 36 weeks (6 hours per week) 216 hours Early site visits to employers (Two Fridays per block = 6 visits in total) 18 hours Workplace Component 10 Days (1 week October, 1 week Easter) 60 hours Recommended Activities in Year 2 (2018-19): Attend work placement on Tuesdays minimum of 24 weeks (6 hours per week) 144 hours Recommend attendance to College every third Tuesday to complete NPA 72 hours Team Working Interview/Career Planning Final Assessment of SVQ Units Who is eligible? We would look for learners to meet the below criteria: Achieved or working towards Nat 5 s Learners in 4th, 5th or 6th year of school this August Candidates must have an interest in developing greater awareness of business Candidates must be capable of working at Level 6 (Higher) Learners with an excellent attendance record at school What are the progression routes? Possible further study Progression Routes SVQ 4 in Business & Administration SVQ 4 in another cross sector area such as Management Business related HNCs (SCQF Level 7) Business related HNDs (SCQF Level 8) with possible progression to a full Honours Degree Professional qualifications (SCQF Level 7 and above) Degree level study at University Modern Apprenticeship (Fast Track) Possible Employment Destinations Business support or administration role Marketing Procurement Supply chain management Enterprise Modern Apprenticeship (Fast Track) 7
Foundation Apprenticeship in Financial Services (SCQF level 6) Why study Financial Services? Many of the largest organisations in Financial Services choose to base their headquarters in Scotland. As a result of this, the sector employs almost 100,000 people. The Financial Services sector is a particularly prominent industry within Edinburgh and Glasgow, and there is a need for workers with the correct skills and knowledge to meet the requirements of the many employers within this sector. Scotland s diverse Financial Services Industry covers a wide range of areas including Banking, Fund Management, Insurance, Life Assurance and Pensions, Asset Servicing and Professional Services, meaning there are opportunities across the full industry for skilled individuals. Completing a Foundation Apprenticeship in Financial Services will open doors to further study, or the many employment prospects available within this sector, particularly in neighbouring Edinburgh and Glasgow. How will the course be delivered? Learners complete the National Progression Award (NPA) at SCQF Level 6 in Financial Services and complete the 3 Mandatory Units of the SVQ 3 Providing Financial Services. The breakdown of the course can be viewed below: GL6W 46 NPA in Financial Services H97V 46 Financial Services: An Introduction Year 1 - In College H97W 46 Financial Services: The Regulatory Framework Year 1 - In College H97X 46 Financial Services: Communication Year 1 - In College H97Y 46 Financial Services: Promoting Positive Customer Year 1 - In College Relationships HF23 75 Financial Services: Personal Finance Awareness Year 1 - In College HF88 46 Work Placement Year 1 - In College/Work Placement (50/50) GH5T 23 H5EY 04 H5F1 04 H5F2 04 SVQ in Providing Financial Services (Part) Develop yourself to improve and maintain workplace competence in a financial services environment Develop productive working relationships in a financial services environment Ensure you comply with regulations in the financial services environment Year 2 - Work Placement Year 2 - Work Placement Year 2 - Work Placement 8
Recommended Activities in Year 1 (2017-18): Complete NPA in College on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 36 weeks* (6 hours per week) 216 Hours Early site visits to employers (Two Fridays per block = 6 visits in total) 18 Hours Workplace Component 10 Days (1 week October, 1 week Easter) 60 Hours Recommended Activities in Year 2 (2018-19): Attend work placement on Tuesdays minimum of 24 weeks* (6 hours per week) 144 Hours Recommend attendance to College every third Tuesday to complete NPA 72 Hours Team Working Interview/Career Planning Final Assessment of SVQ Units * recommendation is a min of 160 hours employer contact throughout S5 and S6 Who is eligible? We would look for learners to meet the below criteria: Achieved or working towards Nat 5 s Learners in 4th, 5th or 6th year of school this August Candidates must be capable of working at Level 6 (Higher) Candidates must have an interest in developing greater awareness of the industry Learners with an excellent attendance record at school What are the progression routes? Possible further study Progression Routes SVQ 4 in Finance, insurance and professional services SVQ 4 in another cross sector area such as Economics Finance related HNCs (SCQF Level 7) Finance related HNDs (SCQF Level 8) with possible progression to a full Honours Degree Professional qualifications (SCQF Level 7 and above) Degree level study at University Modern Apprenticeship (Fast Track) Possible Employment Destinations Financial sector role Accountancy role Modern Apprenticeship (Fast Track) 9
Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering (SCQF level 6) Why study Civil Engineering? The construction industry in Scotland has seen significant growth over recent years, and is forecast to be one of the fastest growing industries between now and 2024. Studying this course will assist in developing the skills many organisations within Scotland are looking for, and allow students to enter into this thriving industry. The industry is projected to grow by 13% in West Lothian by 2024 meaning greater job prospects and opportunities within the local area for this sector. The Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Civil Engineering will provide learners with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and industry-recognised qualifications alongside their senior school education. This FA has been recognised as a formal route into a professional career by industry bodies including the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA). How will the course be delivered? Foundation Apprenticeship will provide the opportunity for learners to achieve: National Certificate (NC) in Civil Engineering at SCQF Level 6 (GJ4G 46) Minimum of One SVQ Unit SVQ unit Develop and Maintain Working Relationships of Personal Development (F07R 04) from Site Technical Support SVQ 3 and/or SVQ unit Maintain professional relationships and practice in built environment design (H6A504) from Built environment design SVQ 3 On successful completion of the components of the Foundation Apprenticeship, learners will achieve a Joint Qualification Certificate for the Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering (GL51 46). They will also receive certification for each of the component parts (NC and SVQ Units). The delivery of the course is as follows: F3HV 11 Mathematics Craft 1 Year 1 F3J6 12 Civil Engineering Site Work Year 1 H66H 46 Civil Engineering Materials Year 1 H669 46 Health and Safety in the Construction Industry Year 1 H66E 45 Drawing for Construction Year 1 H65X 46 Construction Technology: Groundworks and Substructure Year 1 F3JC 12 Mechanics for Construction: An Introduction Year 2 F3JH 12 Civil Engineering Project Year 2 F3JM 12 Construction Site Surveying: An Introduction Year 2 H65V 46 CAD 2D I Year 2 H70S 46 Mathematics for Construction Technicians Year 2 F3J7 12 Civil Engineering Technology Year 2 F07R 04 Develop and maintain working relationships of personal development Year 2 - Work Placement 10
Recommended Activities in Year 1 (2017-18): Attend College on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 36 weeks (6 hours per week) 216 hours Industry visits, industry challenges, guest speakers, visits to trade shows and events, enhancement activity. 36 hours Recommended Activities in Year 2 (2018-19): Attend College on Tuesdays 36 weeks (6 hours per week) 216 hours Industry visits, industry challenges, guest speakers, visits to trade shows and events, enhancement activity. 36 hours Learners will be required to undertake a 4 week placement in summer 2018 to achieve their work based qualification. They will receive an attendance allowance of 30 per week plus an allowance for transport to work. Who is eligible? We would look for learners to meet the below criteria: National 5 qualifications required in the following areas: English, Maths, Craft Design and Technology and/or Science Candidates must have an interest in developing greater awareness of the industry Candidates must be capable of working at Level 6 (Higher) Learners in 4th, 5th or 6th year of school this August Learners with an excellent attendance record at school What are the progression routes? Possible further study Progression Routes Modern Apprenticeship (Fast Track) HND in Civil Engineering, or another related subject Articulation into University: Quantity Surveying Building Surveying Construction Management Architectural Technology Possible Employment Destinations Quantity Surveying Building Surveying Construction Management Architectural Technology 11
Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering (SCQF level 6) Why study Engineering? A recent survey shows that 30% of all Engineering establishments within Scotland employed apprentices or recognised trainees. Within the Engineering sector, there are excellent opportunities for apprentices and trainees in various types of Engineering. The number of jobs in Engineering in West Lothian has increased by 10.7% between 2009-2014. Since 2009, Construction and Engineering sectors are growing at a much faster rate in West Lothian than Scottish averages. This framework prepares young people for the World of Work or progression to further study, providing learners with the skills to meet the demands of this well paid and highly skilled sector. How will the course be delivered? There are 3 components in the FA in Engineering: Full National Certificate in an Engineering discipline at (SCQF Level 6) 5 Units (3 Mandatory Units and any 2 optional Units) of the Performing Engineering Operations SVQ level 2 units Work-related experience/industry Challenge The Foundation Apprenticeship will be certificated by SQA and the breakdown of units can be viewed below: G97L 46 NC Manufacturing Engineering Level 6 (Group Award) F3GB 12 Communications Year 1 F3HX 12 Mathematics: Technician 1 Year 1 F5KF 12 Material Removal Practice: Milling Year 2 F5KG 12 Material Removal Practice: Turning Year 2 F5D4 12 Engineering: Applying Information Technology Year 1 F5D5 12 Engineering Project Year 2 F5H5 12 Computer Aided Draughting (CAD) for Engineers Year 2 F5K5 12 Engineering Design Year 2 F5KB 12 Engineering Dimensional Control Year 1 F5KD 12 Engineering Materials Year 2 F5KE 12 Engineering Workshop Skills Year 1 F5KH 12 Engineering Material Removal Principles Year 1 GL6E 22 SVQ 2 in Performing Engineering Operations (Part) HE9D 04 Complying with Statutory Regulations and Organisational Safety Requirements Year 1 HE9C 04 Using and Interpreting Engineering Data and Documentation Year 1 FR0T 04 Working Efficiently and Effectively in Engineering Year 1 FP27 04 Producing Components using Hand Fitting Techniques Year 1,2 FP2E 04 Preparing and using Lathes for Turning Operations Year 2 12
Recommended Activites in Year 1 (2017-18): Attend College on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Completing units for the National Certificate in Manufacturing Engineering 36 weeks (3 hours per day) 216 Hours Some attendance on Friday afternoons and at summer school to complete the SVQ in Performing Engineering Operations (part of) 165 Hours Work Placement 2 weeks during summer break 60 hours Recommended Activities in Year 2 (2018-19): Attend College on Tuesdays 36 weeks (6 hours per week) 216 Hours Some attendance on Friday afternoons and at summer school to complete the SVQ in Performing Engineering Operations (part of) 165 Hours Work Placement 2 weeks during summer break 60 hours Who is eligible? We would look for learners to meet the below criteria: Achieved or working towards Nat 5 s - preferably in English, Maths, Craft Design and Technology and/or Science Learners in 4th, 5th or 6th year of school this August Candidates must have an interest in developing greater awareness of the industry Candidates must be capable of working at Level 6 (Higher) Learners with an excellent attendance record at school What are the progression routes? Possible further study Progression Routes Modern Apprenticeship (Fast Track) HND in Engineering, or another related subject Articulation into University Possible Employment Destinations Employment within an Engineering role or similar Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering 13
Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services Children & Young People (SCQF level 6) Why study Social Services Children and Young People? The social services sector for Young People is set to increase dramatically within Scotland and the UK due to changes around legislation and the increase in the number of free child care places offered by the Government. This means there is a growing need for skilled workers within this sector. Studying a Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services (Children and Young People) will provide learners with the skills many employers are looking for within this growing sector. How will the course be delivered? In 1st year, learners complete a National Progression Award (NPA) at SCQF Level 6. This includes units that provide learners with an understanding of child protection, and how children develop, learn and play. In S6, they complete the 4 mandatory units of the SVQ 2 Social Services Children and Young People. The breakdown of units is as follows: GL79 46 NPA in Social Services (Children and Young People) HF5D 46 Safeguarding of Children and Young People Year 1, blocks 1 and 2 - In College HF5A 46 Play for Children and Young People Year 1, blocks 1 and 2 - In College HF5F 46 Communication with Children and Young People Year 1, blocks 1 and 2 - In College HF59 46 Development of Children and Young People Year 1, blocks 1 and 2 - In College HF5E 46 Promote the Wellbeing and Safety of Children and Young People Year 1, blocks 1 and 2 - In College Undertake Industry Challenge - 6 visits per learner Year 1, blocks 1 and 2 - Placement GH5V 22 SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) H5KP 04 Support effective communication Year 2, blocks 1, 2 and 3 - Placement H5NB 04 Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals Year 2, blocks 1, 2 and 3 - Placement H5L5 04 Develop your own knowledge and practice Year 2, blocks 1, 2 and 3 - Placement H5L4 04 Supporting the safeguarding of children Year 2, blocks 1, 2 and 3 - Placement 14
Recommended Activities in Year 1 (2017-18): Blocks 1 and 2: Complete NPA in College on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 24 weeks (6 hours per week) 144 hours Blocks 1 & 2: Visits to employers. Groups of 4 learners per week 3 hours on Friday afternoons 72 Hours Block 3: Start SVQ in placement on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 11 weeks (6 hours per week) 66 hours Recommended Activities in Year 2 (2018-19): Blocks 1, 2 and 3: Attend placement every Tuesday 210 hours Lecturer progression support 35 hours Who is eligible? We would look for learners to meet the below criteria: Achieved or working towards Nat 5 s Learners in 4th, 5th or 6th year of school this August Candidates must have an interest in developing greater awareness of the industry Candidates must be capable of working at Level 6 (Higher) Learners with an excellent attendance record at school What are the progression routes? Possible further study Progression Routes Modern Apprenticeship (Fast Track) SVQ 3 as a practitioner or similar Progression to a HNC/D in childcare or healthcare Progression to degree level study within childcare or social services, such as primary education Possible Employment Destinations Employment within a childcare or social services role or similar such as working in a nursery or play schemes Modern Apprenticeship in childcare or social services 15
Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services & Healthcare (SCQF 6) Why study Social Services and HealthCare? There are around 200,000 social service workers in Scotland today working across the industry and working with a range of different service users. One in 13 people employed in Scotland work in social services, working across the third sector, public sector or private sector. Since 2008 there has been a steady increase in the number of people working in the social services sector (5.3%) and this workforce now makes up 7.7% of Scottish employment. This includes people working in social work and social care, showing the many opportunities available within this sector. Health sector employers also place a great deal of importance on training and development as well as qualifications. These qualifications are valued as they are closely linked to service quality, patient safety and regulation. This Foundation Apprenticeship will give students the qualifications and skills to progress students career within sector. How will the course be delivered? The course content comprises a National Progression Award in Social Services and Healthcare (SCQF Level 6). The breakdown of the units covered is: GL3W 46 NPA in Social Services and Healthcare HD6J 46 Social Services in Scotland Year 1 HD6V 46 Safeguarding people Year 1 HD6T 46 Communication in Care Relationships Year 1 HD6W 46 Safe practice and wellbeing in Social services Year 1 HD6X 46 Human Development and Social Influences Year 1 GH5Y 22 SVQ Social Services and Healthcare (Part of) H5NA 04 Support effective communication Year 2 H5NB 04 Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals Year 2 H5L5 04 Develop your own knowledge and practice Year 2 H5NC 04 Support the safeguarding of individuals Year 2 16
Recommended Activities in Year 1 (2017-18): Attend College on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 36 weeks (6 hours per week) 216 hours* Site visits, guest speakers, industry challenge activities 36 hours Placement for SVQ activity will start on Friday afternoon in Year 1 from block 3 12 weeks 36 hours Recommended Activities in Year 2 (2018-19): On placement Tuesday all day 36 weeks 252 hours Attend College on Friday afternoons to receive underpinning knowledge associated with the delivery of the SVQ units or undertaking visits every 2 weeks 54 hours *consisting of 180 contact hours and 60 hours of self-supported learning. WHO IS ELIGIBLE? We would look for learners to meet the below criteria: Four National 5 qualifications required, one to be English Candidates must have an interest in developing greater awareness of the industry Learners in 4th, 5th or 6th year of school this August Candidates must be capable of working at Level 6 (Higher) Learners with an excellent attendance record at school What are the progression routes? Possible further study Progression Routes Modern Apprenticeship (Fast Track) SVQ 3 in social care or similar Progression to a HNC/D in social care or healthcare Progression to degree level study within health care or social services such as Nursing Possible Employment Destinations Employment within an health care or social services role or similar such as Occupational Therapy, Nursing or Health Care support worker Modern Apprenticeship in health care or social services 17
Foundation Apprenticeship in Information Technology Software Development (SCQF level 6) Why study Information Technology Software Development? Scotland is highly dependent on its IT & Telecoms workforce it underpins the economy and is integral to information, business and consumer services, health and leisure and modern day social networking. Across all industries in Scotland it is the combination of its highly skilled IT & Telecoms professionals, technology-savvy business leaders and competent IT users that enable their organisations effective participation in the global digital economy. Currently the IT & Telecoms industry contributes in excess of 3 billion or 3% of Scotland s total Gross Value Added (GVA). Optimisation of the use of IT & Telecoms by businesses could generate an additional 3.7bn GVA to the Scottish economy over the next 5 to 7 years. It is estimated that this GVA uplift could translate into 39,000 new jobs, across many occupations and sectors, over the next 5 to 7 years. ICT is one of West Lothian s fastest growing industries, with a greater percentage of jobs in this industry that the Scottish average. Studying this course will set students up with the knowledge and skills to study further or obtain employment within this growing sector. How will the course be delivered? Within this subject, learners will work on a number of different SQA units whilst also gaining industry experience. The course layout is as follows: GL4W 46 NPA Software Development H223 76 Software Design and Development Year 1 F3T2 12 Computing: Authoring a Website Year 1 H6S9 46 Computing: Applications Development Year 1 GG3W 46 Diploma for IT & Telecommunications Professionals (part of) H3C4 04 Personal Effectiveness 2 (PE2) Year 2 H3C5 04 Health & Safety in IT & Telecoms (HS) Year 2 H3BA 04 Data Modelling 1 Year 2 H3AH 04 Investigating and Defining Customer requirements for IT & Telecom Systems Year 2 - Work Placement Choose one from the units below: H3A4 04 [OR] Event Driven Programming (EDP2)* Year 2 - Work Placement H3AE 04 [OR] Procedural Programming 2 (PP2)* Year 2 - Work Placement H3AB 04 [OR] Object Oriented Programming (OOP2)* Year 2 - Work Placement 18
Recommended Activities in Year 1 (2017-2018): Attend College all day on Tuesdays to complete the NPA 20 weeks (6 hours per week) 120 hours Industry challenges, site visits or attending events/exhibitions related to the course 4 weeks 24 hours* *Learners should undertake an additional 64 hours self-supported learning during this period to achieve their NPA. Attend College all day on Tuesdays to complete first two units of their competency based qualification (March- June) 11 weeks (6 hours per week) 66 hours* *Learners should additionally undertake 34 hours of self-supported study during this period. Recommended Activities in Year 2 (2018-2019): Attend placement on Tuesdays 27 weeks (7 hours per week) 189 hours* *Learners should undertake an additional 59 hours of self-supported learning required during this period. Industry visits 2 weeks 12 hours Attend College on Tuesdays to complete Data Modelling Unit 6 weeks (6 hours per week) 36 hours Who is eligible? We would look for learners to meet the below criteria: Achieved or working towards Nat 5 s Candidates must have an interest in developing greater awareness of the industry Learners in 4th, 5th or 6th year of school this August Candidates must be capable of working at Level 6 (Higher) Learners with an excellent attendance record at school What are the progression routes? Possible further study Progression Routes Modern Apprenticeship (Fast Track) - IT and Telecoms HNC/D in a related discipline University degree in a related discipline Possible Employment Destinations The IT industry covers a wide range of job roles such as: IT Technical Support Software Developer (including Apps and Games) Web Developer Database Administrator Information (including Cyber) Security 19
I would like to thank my school and my lecturers at West Lothian College for all the support they have given me. The foundation apprenticeship is one of the best things I have done in my life! Foundation Apprenticeship Case Study Connor Waldron Connor embarked on his Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship during the summer holidays before his S4 year began aged 14. He was a quiet, shy person who lacked confidence in himself and areas of his academic ability, including mathematics. Connor fully committed to the course, giving up Friday afternoons along with Summer and Easter holidays to ensure he completed two full industry recognised qualifications, taking additional maths support at college, which also paid off at school. In S5, Connor s work placement was with West Lothian Council, gaining experience in maintaining and repairing heavy plant and vehicles. He then attended an interview for an apprenticeship with West Lothian Council and was only one of two applicants selected from the 700 who applied. Connor s line manager agreed that Connor s Foundation Apprenticeship has given him the confidence and skill set to hit the ground running, and West Lothian Council are nominating Connor for an award with the Association for Public Service Excellence, a nationwide award for public bodies. At 17, Connor is an excellent ambassador for Foundation Apprenticeships and Engineering, recently visiting several local schools to talk about his experience. He speaks very passionately about his new apprenticeship, which he is certain he never would have achieved without his Foundation Apprenticeship. In November 2016 Connor was named as the Foundation Apprentice of the year at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards organised by Skills Development Scotland. Connor is quick to admit that his Foundation Apprenticeship opened doors to the word of work and enabled him to gain not only a job but a career. 20
USEFUL LINKS Skills Development Scotland - www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk Apprenticeships.scot - www.apprenticeship.scot/foundation Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) - www.sqa.org.uk Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) - www.scqf.org.uk Education Scotland - www.educationscotland.gov.uk West Lothian College - www.west-lothian.ac.uk/pages/foundationapprenticeships 21