Foundation Apprenticeships

About Foundation Apprenticeships

Foundation Apprenticeships are the Scottish Government’s national agency, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) initiative, providing new, work-based learning opportunities for students in their 5th and 6th year of secondary education as one of their senior subject choices.

Skills Development Scotland

Key information on Foundation Apprenticeships from Skills Development Scotland.

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apprenticeships.scot

All you need to know about information on Foundation Apprenticeships.

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About a FA apprenticeship with CALA

CALA FA in Social Services: Children and Young People

CALA offers 12–14 spots each year for young people who want to work towards a Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services: Children and Young People. As a trusted training provider and employer, we’ve built a strong reputation for quality and support. This Apprenticeship is a hands-on, exciting programme that mixes learning with real work experience, helping you gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to take the next step in your career.

How the programme works

Year 1 is all about getting started with a National Progression Award in Social Services (Children and Young People). You’ll take part in interactive learning sessions at our Learning & Development Centre and visit CALA-managed ELC settings to do observations and hands-on activities, putting what you’ve learned into practice.

Year 2 is your chance to be out in the real world! You’ll complete a placement in CALA-managed ELC settings, where SQA-qualified assessors will guide you as you work towards an SVQ Level 2 in Social Services (Children and Young People).

Who is our Foundation Apprenticeship for?

This opportunity is open to students entering S5 in August 2024 who attend secondary schools in Inverness, Nairn, Grantown-on-Spey, Kingussie, and Fortrose. The programme is ideal for learners interested in careers working with children and young people, such as teaching, social work, care, or nursing.

Applicants should have, or be working towards, a minimum of four National 5 qualifications including Literacy, and be capable of working at SCQF Level 6 (Higher level). Special consideration may be given where individual needs can be supported.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Foundation Apprenticeship gives you a strong starting point for careers working with children and young people. Many learners go on to college or university, move into a Modern Apprenticeship, or progress directly into employment in the childcare, education, or care sectors.

In your first year, you’ll spend most of your time in our Learning, Development and Improvement (LDI) room within our ELC building at UHI Inverness. In your second year, we’ll aim to place you in a nursery as close to your home as possible.

You don’t need a PVG to start the programme, but we will arrange this for you before you begin.

Contact

If you would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact:

E: [email protected]
T: 01463 222569