Qualification

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)

Interests

  • Care

Why take this course?

This programme, delivered over one year, incorporates classroom-based study with work–based learning, in order to prepare you for entry to the workplace or full–time Further or Higher Education. The course is funded by Skills Development Scotland.

Over 400,000 people work in social services and healthcare in Scotland — caring for people when they need it most. Whether it’s helping an older person to get ready in the morning to providing nursing and medical care in a hospital setting, a career in the social services and healthcare sector is a as vital as it is rewarding.

A Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services could set you on the right track. All Social Work degrees in Scotland accept a Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services & Healthcare for entry.

Find out more about this course from Skills Development Scotland

For information, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) provides a useful tool/resource for career planning within the care sector.

What you will experience

The Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services & Healthcare is for pupils in S5 and S6. Over one year, you will complete a National Progression Award at SCQF Level 6 in Social Services & Healthcare and 4 Mandatory Units of the SVQ 2 Social Services & Healthcare.

The National Progression Award will include units in:

  • Social Services in Scotland
  • Safeguarding People
  • Communication in Care Relationships
  • Safe Practice and Wellbeing in Social Services
  • Human Development and Social Influences

You will also undertake work-based learning during which you will gain the mandatory units of the SVQ Level 2 qualification. Two additional optional SVQ Level 2 units must be completed upon entry to the social services workforce.

  • Support effective communication
  • Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals
  • Develop your own knowledge and practice
  • Support the safeguarding of individual

Pupils completing this Foundation Apprenticeship 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 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.