Fifth years to benefit from college’s foundation apprenticeship scheme

Forth Valley College has launched a range of foundation apprenticeships which will offer S5 pupils the chance to complete elements of a modern apprenticeship while still at school.

The programme, being offered in partnership with Stirling and Clackmannanshire schools, will link senior school pupils with employers and aim to help them to build their future careers.

Upon completion of a foundation apprenticeship, pupils can progress to a modern apprenticeship, college study or a university degree.

In academic year 2018-2019, foundation apprenticeships will be available in social services and healthcare; social service, children and young people; business skills; IT hardware system support ; engineering; accountancy; civil engineering; creative and digital media; food and drink operations and scientific technologies (laboratory skills).

All are due to start in August, 2018, and applications will go live in January.

The foundation apprenticeships have been developed by Skills Development Scotland in partnership with employers, colleges and Sector Skills Councils to create stronger links between education and industry. They combine academic learning with hands-on skills to develop the knowledge, skills and work experience that will help to broaden options for students.

Pupils will spend time undertaking learning at college and also benefit from high quality work experience with employers.

FVC vice principal Fiona Brown said: “The qualifications will be an excellent starting point for young people .”

For more information, contact schools.co-ordinator@forthvalley. ac.uk, call 01324 403211 or visit www. forthvalley.ac.uk/FA.