Data
Achievement
Strong Outcomes for Aberdeenshire’s Foundation Apprenticeships 2025–26
We are delighted to share some fantastic feedback from learners involved in Foundation Apprenticeships – Aberdeenshire Council programme this year. The data clearly highlights the positive difference FAs are making across attendance, engagement, confidence, behaviour and wellbeing.
These results demonstrate how Foundation Apprenticeships are not just ‘like any other senior phase qualification’. As well as developing their essential meta-skills for work, they are helping young people feel more connected, motivated and optimistic about what comes next.
A huge thank you and well done to the employers, delivery staff, training providers and – most importantly – the young people who make this programme such a success.
FA Student Feedback 2025-26
Level 6 – Increased Attendance, Engagement, Confidence & Mental Health
24% of L6 FA students stated that taking the FA had impacted positively on their attendance at school
54% of L6 FA students stated that they felt more engaged in their overall learning as a result of taking the FA
64% of L6 FA students said completing a FA would encourage/encouraged them to stay on at school
82% of L6 FA students said that completing the FA had made them more confident about their futures.
51% of L6 FA students said that completing the FA had a positive impact on their mental health.
Level 4/5 – Increased Attendance, Engagement, Confidence & Mental Health
41% of L4/5 FA students stated that taking the FA had impacted positively on their attendance at school
59% of L4/5 FA students stated that they felt more engaged in their overall learning as a result of taking the FA
50% of L4/5 FA students said completing a FA would encourage/encouraged them to stay on at school
75% of L4/5 FA students said that completing the FA had made them more confident about their futures.
46% of L4/5 FA students said that completing the FA had a positive impact on their mental health.
Behaviour – Parental Feedback
L6 – 13% of parents reported an improvement in behaviour
L4/5 – 48% of parents reported an improvement in behaviour
Positive Outcomes for Young People Through Mentoring
A significant benefit of the FA delivery is the quality and nature of mentoring on offer to FA students. FAs are receiving high-quality mentoring from their NPA tutor, the SVQ Assessor, and their workplace mentor. This is having a significant impact on the young person’s Career Management Skills, confidence and Human/Social/Cultural capital.
Enhanced Mentoring for Young People
- 85% said that the FA mentoring had improved their confidence
- 96% said the FA mentoring had improved their understanding of the workplace
- 86% said the FA mentoring had developed their Meta-skills
- 86% said the FA mentoring had improved their networking by helping to make industry links and connections
- 97% of FAs rated their FA Mentoring as good, very good or excellent.
Parental Feedback 2025-26
Level 6 – Increased Attendance, Engagement, Confidence & Mental Health
20% of L6 parents stated that taking the FA had impacted positively on their young person’s attendance at school
34% of L6 parents stated that their young person felt more engaged in their overall learning as a result of taking the FA
63% of L6 parents said completing a FA would encourage/encouraged their young person to stay on at school
78% of L6 parents said that completing the FA had made their young person more confident about their futures.
63% of L6 parents said that completing the FA had a positive impact on their young person’s mental health.
Level 4/5 – Increased Attendance, Engagement, Confidence & Mental Health
35% of L4/5 parents stated that taking the FA had impacted positively on their young person’s attendance at school
48% of L4/5 parents stated that their young person felt more engaged in their overall learning as a result of taking the FA
71% of L4/5 parents said completing a FA would encourage/encouraged their young person to stay on at school
71% of L4/5 parents said that completing the FA had made their young person more confident about their futures.
74% of L4/5 parents said that completing the FA had a positive impact on their young person’s mental health.
