FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIPS FEATURES
Building strong foundations
In this special report, we explain how Foundation Apprenticeships are another way of training youngsters to help employers find new, experienced and qualified talent
By Elaine Ellis Skills Planning Manager, Skills Development Scotland
D
eveloped by the country’s skills agency, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Foundation
Apprenticeships are enabling S5 and S6
pupils across Scotland to learn skills in key occupations like engineering and business administration. Taken as one of their subjects at school
over one or two years, they include time with a learning provider, such as a college, and a period of work-based learning with an employer. Completion leads to a qualification at the same level as a Higher and there are more opportunities to progress on to a job, such as a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship. Individuals can fast-track on to a related Modern Apprenticeship at an accelerated level, having already learned part of the role.
More opportunities to get involved Taking on a Foundation Apprentice in partnership with a learning provider, such as a local college, has no direct cost for employers and offers a solution to finding the next generation of employees. This year, there are more Foundation Apprenticeship opportunities available to pupils across the country than ever before, with opportunities in every local authority. The increase in uptake means
employers have access to a bigger talent pool to find their future workforce.
Confident and experienced According to an SDS survey*, employers who took on Foundation Apprentices said the young people were well equipped to participate in work while
“Employers can attract more people into their industry and gain early access to a
pipeline of talent” Graeme Hendry, SDS
20 CABLEtalk OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019
on placement because they arrived with relevant knowledge and skills. Pupils taking Foundation Apprenticeships are also developing skills beyond job-related tasks to make them ready for a workplace environment. Most employers in the survey said that they saw young people becoming more confident through their work placement. They felt that being in a working environment helped young people gain maturity and to take ownership of their learning. This was also the view from the
Foundation Apprentices themselves, with nine out of ten saying that their apprenticeship had helped them develop skills in communication, confidence, teamwork and become more organised. More than three quarters of the participants also said the Foundation Apprenticeship had improved their ability to solve problems.
Grow your own Dealing with an ageing workforce, identifying talent early and attracting more young people into specific sectors are some of the reasons why employers are taking on Foundation Apprentices. Annan employer Cochran UK produces industrial hot water and steam boilers for a range of businesses, including the main whisky distilleries in Scotland. The manufacturer already employs Modern Apprentices and believes Foundation Apprenticeships
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