A great foundation for further learning
Two Clyde Valley High pupils have successfully completed their first year of a new council programme helping them work towards a career in children’s social services.
Natalia Pluta and Kayla McGuire, both sixth year students, successfully completed year one of their Social Services Children and Young People qualification and are now preparing to start their second year of the foundation apprenticeship programme.
An information day was held in Coatbridge recently where the pupils met with the Foundation Apprenticeship Team and their supervisors from North Lanarkshire Council’s Nurseries, Family Learning Centres and private nurseries.
The pair will start their work experience in August where they will put their learning from year one into practice.
Gillian Finnigan, Foundation Apprenticeship co-ordinator said:“This Skills Development Scotland Programme, which is funded by the European Social Fund, is an amazing opportunity for pupils to start their pathway into a career in Early Years.
“It’s really going from strength to strength - we have received more than 350 applications for our next session - with pupils from each of our 23 secondary schools applying.
“Pupils have applied for a wide range of areas including engineering, social services and health care, social services children and young people, software development, hardware and system support, digital creative media in partnership with New College Lanarkshire.
She added:“It was great to see the reaction from the students who successfully completed year one. During this time they learned about child development, communication, promoting health and wellbeing as well as safeguarding of children.
“We’re looking forward to seeing them successfully achieve their SVQs in year two. During the past year the students have learned the background knowledge they need to work with children and now they have the confidence and opportunity to work with early years staff in North Lanarkshire.”
The programme is part of the council’s plans to develop its work force in preparation for 1140 hours nursery initiative which is being introduced in 2020. At the end of their second year pupils will achieve an SCQF level 6 Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services Children and Young People.
This will provide great opportunities when applying for college, university or North Lanarkshire Council’s Modern Apprenticeship Programme.