Qualification

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)

Interests

  • Science

Why take this course?

The Life Sciences and the Related Science Industries are high-tech, innovative and highly diverse, spanning pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology and have applications across many other sectors. People with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) qualifications are in high demand from employers resulting in great prospects for career development and progression.

The Foundation Apprenticeship in Scientific Technologies is for senior phase pupils and is typically delivered over S5 and S6, allowing pupils to develop the skills and knowledge to work towards an SVQ at SCQF Level 6 and build a career in the science-based industries.

What you will experience

During the Foundation Apprenticeship you will work towards an NPA in Scientific Technologies at SCQF Level 6 (the same level as a Higher). You will also undertake work-based learning during which you will attend an extended work experience with an industry partner equivalent to a day a week.  During that time you will develop essential skills for the workplace as you work towards units from the SVQ in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (Industrial Science).

Units of study through the FA include:

  • Laboratory Safety
  • Mathematics for Science
  • Fundamental Chemistry — An Introduction
  • Prepare Compounds and Solutions for Scientific or Technical Use
  • Experimental Procedures: Science
  • Carry out Simple Scientific Tests Using Manual Equipment

Pupils completing this Foundation Apprenticeship on a Short Duration Delivery Model (1 year programme) will be expected to undertake both coursework and work-based learning elements within the same year, generally spending the equivalent of a day a week in a College staff delivered class and a day a week on placement. We recommend that applicants for the one-year delivery model only study 3 additional school-based courses alongside the Foundation Apprenticeship.