West College Scotland Foundation Apprenticeships 2018

FOUNDATION
APPRENTICESHIPS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Foundation Apprenticeships
A Foundation Apprenticeship usually takes two years to complete, is the same level of
learning as a Higher (SCQF level 6), and is one of your subject choices. As you work towards a
qualification you will spend time out of school at college and with a local employer.
WHAT IS A FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP?
You sit a Foundation Apprenticeship over two years, starting in 5th year alongside your
Highers and Nationals.
The difference is, you spend time away from school, at college and with an employer. So you
get real, practical work experience.
• You’ll get a qualification that employers recognise and the skills you need to start a
career in that industry
• It’ll open up your options after school
• You get to work on real projects with an employer. Some of Scotland’s biggest, best known
local employers are involved.
• It’s a chance to try a career out – so you can decide if it’s right for you
WHERE COULD A FOUNDATION
APPRENTICESHIP TAKE YOU?
Straight to Work
An FA gives you skills employers want – like timekeeping, problem solving, communication and
teamwork.
You’ll have connections with employers, work experience and qualifications recogonised by
industry.
All this looks great on your CV.
A Modern Apprenticeship
In the same subject: You could complete your MA quicker because you’ll have completed
some elements of the MA during the FA.
In another subject: You’ll already have the experience of learning on the job. That looks
good to employers who are recruiting MAs.
Graduate Apprenticeship
You’ll have the experience of learning through work - so you’re ready to do it a higher level.
With a GA, you can take your studies further, even up to Master’s Degree level. All while you
have a job.
College or University
Foundation Apprenticeships are recognised by most Scottish universities and colleges. You
could contact the admissions department in your preferred university or college to confirm their
entry requirements.

Contents
BUSINESS SKILLS
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
CIVIL ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING
SOCIAL SERVICES CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
SOCIAL SERVICES & HEALTHCARE
SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES
CREATIVE & DIGITAL MEDIA
FOOD & DRINK TECHNOLOGIES
PATHWAYS
FAQs
Over the past year West College Scotland has worked with
many local employers in partnership with the Foundation
Apprenticeship work placements. Employer placements for
the next cohort of Foundations Apprenticeships are currently
being confirmed.

Business Skills
Location
Clydebank - Greenock – Paisley
Level SCQF Level 6
Delivery
Year 1 - Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday*
Mode of Delivery 1.30pm – 4.30pm *Delivery days depend on campus location
DURATION
2 Years - Starts in S5
Course outline
In S5 the Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills will feature the National Progression
Award (NPA). In S6 it will mainly be delivered in the workplace, and this will enable you to
develop skills, attributes and behaviours that employers look for.
Entry requirements
You should be undertaking National 5 Maths, National 5 English and preferably a business
subject.
Be working towards Higher level by the end of 6th year.
Have an interest in at least one of the following areas: business processes, procurement,
entrepreneurship, accounting or management.
Course content
• Understanding business
• PC Passport – Working with IT software
• Plan how to manage and improve own performance in a business
environment
• Support other people to work in a business environment
• Design and produce documents in a business environment
• Contemporary business issues
• Communicate in a business environment
• Management of people and finance
Progression
• HNC/D Business, Accounting or Administration & IT
• Modern Apprenticeship in Business Administration
• University

Scotland exports goods
and services to the
value of 376 billion
Having people with the right
business skills is vital to the
Scottish economy

IT: Software Development
Location
Clydebank – Greenock
Level SCQF Level 6
Delivery
Year 1 - Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday*
Mode of Delivery 1.30pm – 4.30pm *Delivery days depend on campus location
DURATION
2 Years - Starts in S5
Course outline
In S5 you will complete a National Progression Awards (NPA) in Software Development at
SCQF level 6. In S6 you will undertake a work placement working on 5 units from the Diploma
for IT & Telecommunications Professionals.
Entry requirements
You should be undertaking National 5 Maths and English and preferably a science subject.
Be working towards Higher level by the end of 6th year.
You should have an interest in at least one of the following areas: programming, software
development, apps design or website creation and design.
Course content
• Computing applications: Development
• Software design and development
• Health & Safety in IT and telecom
• Investigating and defining customer requirements
for IT and telecoms systems
• Computing: Authoring a website
• Personal effectiveness
• Data modelling
• Computer programming

11,500
Progression
• Modern Apprenticeship
• HNC/D Software Development
• University
Number of new digital
technologies jobs predicted
each year until 2020.

Civil Engineering
Location
Clydebank - Greenock – Paisley
Level SCQF Level 6
Delivery
Year 1 - Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday*
Mode of Delivery 1.30pm – 4.30pm *Delivery days depend on campus location
DURATION
2 Years - Starts in S5
Course outline
You will be given the opportunity to develop the skills required by modern professional Civil
Engineering Technicians. You will study the principles and practices utilised by engineers
and consultancy teams working in the field of renewable energy, roads and bridges, flood
alleviation, commercial buildings, marine works and environmental protection through an NC in
Civil Engineering at SCQF Level 6 and SVQ 3 Construction Technical. In S6 there will be a work
placement.
Entry requirements
You should be undertaking several National 5 subjects including Maths & Physics.
You should be working towards Higher level by the end of 6th year.
Course content
• Civil engineering materials
• Civil engineering site work
• Computer aided drafting: An introduction
• Health and safety in the construction industry
• Mechanics for construction: An introduction
• Civil engineering project
• Civil engineering technology
• Mathematics: Craft 1
• Construction site surveying: An introduction
• Construction Technology: Groundworks & Substructures
• Modern Methods of Construction: An introduction

Labour market information
evidences a growing
demand for Civil Engineering
related occupations
Progression
• Modern Apprenticeship
• HNC Construction Management
• University

Engineering
Location
Clydebank - Greenock - Paisley
Level SCQF Level 6
Delivery
Year 1 - Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday*
Mode of Delivery 1.30pm – 4.30pm *Delivery days depend on campus location
DURATION
2 Years - Starts in S5
Course outline
The Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering aims to give you the opportunity to
develop the skills and knowledge to enter into a career in Engineering and the Advanced
Manufacturing sector and other Engineering related industries. The programme is designed to
provide you with theory, practice and related work experience.
Entry requirements
You should be undertaking National 5 Maths, National 5 English
and a STEM based subject
Be working towards Higher level by the end of 6th year.
Course content
• NC Engineering Systems
• Performing Engineering Operations Units
Progression
• Modern Apprenticeship
• HNC Engineering
• University

2,500+
Number of new engineers
Scotland needs every year.

Social Services Children & Young People
Location
Clydebank - Greenock – Paisley
Level SCQF Level 6
Delivery
Year 1 - Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday*
Mode of Delivery 1.30pm – 4.30pm *Delivery days depend on campus location
DURATION
2 Years - Starts in S5
Course outline
In S5 you will complete a National Progression Award (NPA) at SCQF level 6. This includes
knowledge units that support you to develop an understanding of how children develop and
learn, play and child protection. In S6 you will complete the 4 mandatory Units of the SVQ 2
Social Services Children and Young People. The NPA provides knowledge and an introduction
to the Skills that will help you to complete the SVQ units. The NPA has 24 SCQF credit points
at SCQF level 6 and the SVQ 2 mandatory units have a total of 37 credit points at SCQF level 6.
These two parts, along with associated work placement, form the Foundation Apprenticeship
in Social Services Children and Young People.
Entry requirements
You should be undertaking National 5 English and be working towards Higher level by the end
of 6th year.
Please note: all candidates are required to be vetted by Disclosure Scotland as part of the
Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme).
Course content
• Safeguarding of children and young people
• Communication with children and young people
• Promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals
• Support the safeguarding of children
• Develop your own knowledge and practice
• Play for children and young people
• Support effective communication
• Development of children and young people

Progression
• Modern Apprenticeship
• Higher Social Care Level 6
• HNC Childhood Practice or Social Services
• University

Social Services & Healthcare
Location
Clydebank - Greenock – Paisley
Level SCQF Level 6
Delivery
Year 1 - Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday*
Mode of Delivery 1.30pm – 4.30pm *Delivery days depend on campus location
DURATION
2 Years - Starts in S5
Course outline
In S5 you will complete a National Progression Award (NPA) at SCQF level 6 in Social Services
and Healthcare. In S6 you will complete the 4 Mandatory Units of the SVQ 2 Social Services
and Healthcare. The NPA provides knowledge and an introduction to the skills that will help
you to complete the SVQ units. The NPA has 24 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 6 and the
SVQ 2 mandatory units have a total of 37 credit points at SCQF level 6. These two parts, along
with the associated work placement, form the Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services
and Healthcare.
Entry requirements
You should be undertaking National 5 English and working towards Higher level by the end of
6th year.
Please note: all candidates are required to be vetted by Disclosure Scotland as part of the
Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme).
Course content
• Social services in Scotland
• Communication in care relationships
• Human development and social influences
• Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals
• Support the safeguarding of individuals
• Safeguarding people
• Safe practice and wellbeing in social services
• Support effective communication
• Develop your own knowledge and practice

300,000+
Progression
• Modern Apprenticeship
• HNC or HND in a variety of
creative disciplines
• University
Number of people that work in
social services and healthcare in
Scotland.

Scientific Technologies
Location
Greenock
Level SCQF Level 6
Delivery
Year 1 - Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday*
Mode of Delivery 1.30pm – 4.30pm *Delivery days depend on campus location
DURATION
2 Years - Starts in S5
Course outline
Throughout S5 and S6 you will complete 4 units of the NPA in Scientific Technologies at SCQF
Level 6 and 3 Units of the Scottish Vocational Qualification (SCQF Level 6) in Laboratory and
Associated Technical Activities (Industrial Science). The National Progression Award provides
the knowledge and an introduction to the skills that will help you to complete the SVQ units.
These two parts form the Foundation Apprenticeship in Scientific Technologies.
Entry requirements
You should be undertaking National 4 Maths, National 5 Chemistry and one other National 5
Science or Lab Skills.
Be working towards Higher level by end of 6th year.
Course content
• Laboratory safety
• Fundamental chemistry: An introduction
• Follow health and safety procedures for scientific or technical activities
• Prepare compounds and solutions for scientific or technical use
• Mathematics for science
• Experimental procedures: Science
• Carry out simple scientific or technical tests using manual equipment

7,500+
Progression
• Modern Apprenticeship
• Technical Apprenticeship
• HNC or HND in a Science related subject
• University
In Scotland there are
over 7,500 roles from
Laboratory Assistant
Trainee Technician
Trainee Scientist

Creative & Digital Media
Location
Clydebank - Paisley
Level SCQF Level 6
Delivery
Year 1 – Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday*
Mode of Delivery 1.30pm – 4.30pm *Delivery days depend on campus location
DURATION
2 Years - Starts in S5
Course outline
In S5 you will complete a National Progression Award (NPA) at SCQF level 6. This includes
knowledge units that support you to develop an understanding of the technologies,
processes and practices used within the Creative Industries. In S6 you will complete 4 units
of the Diploma in Creative Digital Media at SCQF Level 7 all leading to the unit Media: Project
which will complement the workplace experience and will be used for the industry challenge
project.
Entry requirements
You should be undertaking National 5 English and working towards Higher level in a Media, or
Art & Design subjects.
Course content
• Creative industries: An introduction – Scotland
• Media: understanding the creative process
• Work effectively with others in the creative industries
• Communicating using digital marketing/sales channels
• Media project
• Creative industries: Understanding a creative brief
• Storytelling for the creative industries
• Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety
• Use digital and social media in marketing campaigns
Progression
• Modern Apprenticeship
• HNC or HND in a variety of creative disciplines
• University

12,500
Creative Industries in
Scotland employs 12,500
people.

Food & Drink Technologies
Location
Clydebank - Greenock
Level SCQF Level 6
Delivery
Year 1 – Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday*
Mode of Delivery 1.30pm – 4.30pm *Delivery days depend on campus location
DURATION
2 Years - Starts in S5
Course outline
In S5, you will complete the National Progression Award (NPA) in Food Manufacture at SCQF
Level 6 and the Awards in Health & Safety and Food Hygiene at SCQF Level 5. In S6, you will
complete the 5 units from the SVQ in Food and Drink Operations at SCQF Level 6 and a work
placement.
Entry requirements
You should be undertaking National 5 English and Maths and National 4 ICT.
Be working towards Higher level by end of 6th year.
(It’d be advantageous to have National 5 Health & Food Technology or National 5 Science)
Course content
• Food manufacturing: Fundamentals of food science
• Food manufacturing: Commercial and social drivers
• REHIS food hygiene: Elementary
• Develop productive working relationships with colleagues
• Contribute to continuous improvement of food safety in manufacture
• Promote and support creative thinking in a food business
• Food manufacturing: Food production
• Food manufacturing: sustainability
• REHIS Elementary health and safety certificate
• Interpret and communicate information and data in food and drink
operations
• Develop a new product in a food business

£815m
Progression
• Modern Apprenticeship
• HNC or HND in Food Science & Technology
• University
Over the last ten years
food exports from
Scotland have increased
by more than 50% to
£815m

Pathways
Numeracy
skills Working
with others
What skills will I gain to
impress employers?
Work readiness
Foundation
Apprenticeship
What can I do afterwards?
Problem Solving
Colleges &
Universities
Modern
Apprenticeship
Graduate Level
Apprenticeship
Organisational
skills
BA/BSC
Degree
Level
HN
HNC/HND
Time
Management
Career
Framework College Days
Framework
West
Dunbartonshire
Clydebank Campus
Inverclyde
Greenock
Campus
Renfrewshire & East
Renfrewshire
Paisley Campus
Business Skills Tue & Thur Tue & Thur Tue & Thur
IT: Software Development Tue & Thur Tue & Thur
Civil Engineering Tue & Thur Wed & Fri Tue & Thur
Engineering Tue & Thur Wed & Fri Tue & Thur
Social Services Children & Young People Tue & Thur Tue & Thur Tue & Thur
Social Services & Healthcare Tue & Thur Tue & Thur Tue & Thur
Scientific Technologies
Tue & Thur
Creative & Digital Media Wed & Fri Tue & Thur
Food & Drink Technologies Tue & Thur Wed & Fri

FAQs
HOW DO I GET THERE?
Your school will organise transport to take you to college and take you back to the nearest
point to your home at the end of the day.
Travel Expenses will be provided for transport to your Work Placement.
HOW ARE THE FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIPS DIFFERENT FROM
THE SUBJECTS I TAKE AT SCHOOL?
The main difference is that with a Foundation Apprenticeship is you will spend time at college
and on work placement with a local employer all while working towards an SCQF level 6
qualification.
HOW WILL THE COURSES BE CERTIFIED?
You will receive a certificate from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) for your
Foundation Apprenticeship.
SO WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
The award itself will act as a springboard for you to gain direct entry into the workplace, or
into a modern apprenticeship, or to go onto college or university. You will develop valuable
skills such as working with others and problem solving, skills that you will need if you are to
succeed in the world of work.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM WHILE AT COLLEGE?
The Foundation Apprenticeship team are cross campus please contact below:
Sharron Rodger
Foundation Apprenticeship
Project Manager
t 07720974200
e Sharron.Rodger@wcs.ac.uk
Ashleigh Bonnar
Foundation Apprenticeship
Senior Administrator
t 01475 724 433
e Ashleigh.Bonnar@wcs.ac.uk
Fiona McKenzie
Head of Learning
Communities
t 01475 553 008
e Fiona.McKenzie@wcs.ac.uk

How Do I Apply?
Places are limited, you should speak to your guidance teacher as soon
as possible, who will show you how to apply online through the West
College Scotland website. You should also read the option details for your
choice of course and discuss this with your parent or guardian.
e. foundation.apprenticeship@wcs.ac.uk
Further information can be found at:
www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk/foundation-apprenticeship
www.apprenticeships.scot