Foundation Apprenticeships

What is a Foundation Apprenticeship?

Foundation Apprenticeships at Level 4/5

Open to pupils in S3 to S6. You'll complete your Foundation Apprenticeship at school, alongside your other subjects. You'll spend time learning with a provider, such as a college, and with an employer on a practical work project. It'll give your career a head-start, and look great on your CV.  There are three different frameworks to choose from – Automotive, Construction and Hospitality.

More information on what you can choose from (Level 4/5)

Foundation Apprenticeships at Level 6

Foundation Apprenticeships are one or two year courses open to students in S5 and S6. They help young people gain valuable, real-world work experience and access vocational training while they're still at school.

Students can take a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of their senior phase subject choices. Students get the chance to learn in a real workplace, and develop new skills that their future employers need. This gives them a competitive edge while they're still at school.

Business Skills, Children and Young People and Healthcare run for one year so students can start in S5 or S6.  IT Software Development is delivered over two academic years so students will be committed to studying through S5 and S6. 

More information on what you can choose from (Level 6)

If you are a student, how does it work?

• You'll get time out of the classroom, and complete an extended work placement with a top local employer interested in hiring young people.
• Your course will combine hands-on learning with essential knowledge. You'll get the chance to apply this learning on your work placement.
• It fits alongside your other subjects in your senior timetable.

What are the benefits?

• It's the same level of learning as a Higher (SCQF Level 6). The difference is that you are assessed as you go along, so there's no final exam.
• The time you spend on your placement will give you technical workplace knowledge, plus confidence, communication and teamwork skills. This helps you build the experience and skills that employers want to see.
• You can use your Foundation Apprenticeship to get into a Modern Apprenticeship, Graduate Apprenticeship, or straight to work. It also counts as one of your entry qualifications into all colleges and universities across Scotland.

The Communities Lifelong Learning and Employability (CLLE) section of Midlothian Council deliver the Foundation Apprenticeships listed on this website. We are an SQA Accredited Centre.

Foundation Apprenticeship Q&As