Laying the foundations of your career in care

Choosing a career path whilst you’re still at school can be a daunting task, especially without any first-hand experience in an industry environment. But for pupils in the North-east who are focussed on a career in childcare or social care, alongside a plethora of other subject areas, opportunities are arising to gain a vocational qualification as well as industry work experience during their senior years, thanks to the introduction of Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) in association with North East Scotland College. In 2014, the Scottish Government recognised the need to provide a balance of academic and vocational learning in the senior phase of secondary school. FAs help to meet this need, providing pupils with an industry-recognised qualification at the same level as a Higher, and work experience in their chosen sector. Trish Swan, Faculty Manager for Childcare, Health and Social Care at NESCol, said: “School partnership programmes provide pupils with the opportunity to learn in-depth and, in the case of the FAs, first -hand about working in a care setting. They are taught by Childhood Practice and Health and Social Care professionals who help to bring learning alive and support career choices.” Taking on a foundation apprenticeship at school can give young people an invaluable insight into their chosen career area. Caitlin Mackay, 16, a pupil at Meldrum Academy, explained why she decided to sign up for an FA in Social Services and Healthcare: “I know I want to be a social worker, so the opportunity to gain some experience in the industry before I leave school seemed like a good idea to me and my parents. I’m really enjoying studying in College so far, and I’m really looking forward to the work placement in the second year.” Alongside FAs in Social Services & Healthcare, and Social Services Children & Young People, school pupils are also offered the chance to take on a Skills for Work course in a care subject. These courses are selected as part of a school timetable and give pupils the opportunity to achieve national qualifications that are valued by employers whilst continuing to study school-based courses. NESCol Schools Liaison Manager Shelley MacKenzie said: “Pupils who attend College whilst still at school develop generic skills for employment including communication and interpersonal skills, and an Pupils studying the Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Health Care at NESCol’s Aberdeen City Campus. Back L-R: Jordan Fowlie (Mearns Academy), Grace Reid (Meldrum Academy), Hannah Dow (Meldrum Academy), Lauren Miller (Hazlehead Academy). Front L-R: Wasimaah Ali (St Machar Academy), Caitlin Mackay (Meldrum Academy), Iona Greenfield (Hazlehead Academy). understanding of Health and Safety in the workplace. In addition, they are equipped with industry specific knowledge and skills as well as being provided with an opportunity to develop their independence and skills in self-management.” Thanks to these options being made available to school pupils, young people are able to make more well-informed decisions about their future careers in care at a younger age.