Foundation Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Technologies at SCQF level 6
Duration: 1 year
Why Study a Foundation Apprenticeship?
Who Can Apply?
The Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Food and Drink Technology is for pupils staying on at school. You can choose an FA as one of your subjects in S5 or S6.
Entry Requirements
- Good level of written/spoken English (level 5 Literacy or Nat 5 English)
- Committed and flexible
- Ability to work with others
- Ability to problem solve
Qualifications Gained
- National Progression Award (NPA) in Food Manufacture at SCQF Level 6 (4 units)
- SVQ Food and Drink Operations at SCQF Level 6 (5 units)
- The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) Elementary Food Hygiene and Health and Safety Certificates.
Participant's viewpoint
I think it’s important for young people to see what it is like to see what it is like to work in a real place because when you are in school you get told about it but you don’t get to experience it. By having the experience, I feel like I have more skills in working with people and learning how to be in that environment every day. It made me grow up a bit.
During this course you will learn…
The National Progression Award in Food Manufacture at SCQF level 6 provides knowledge and an introduction to the skills that will help pupils to complete the work based units. It develops an understanding of the principles, structure, processes and procedures used in the Food and Drink Manufacturing industry.
REHIS Food Hygiene and Health and Safety courses are expected as standard in the industry and these qualifications are expected to both help learners undertake their work placement and increase employability.
National Progression Award (NPA) in Food Manufacture at SCQF Level 6:
- Food Manufacturing: Fundamentals of Food Science
- Food Manufacturing: Food Production
- Food Manufacturing: Commercial and Social Drivers
- Food Manufacturing: Sustainability.
SVQ Food and Drink Operations at SCQF Level 6 (5 units):
- Develop Productive Working Relationships with Colleagues
- Interpret and Communicate Information and Data in Food and Drink Operations
- Contribute to Continuous Improvement of Food Safety in Manufacture
- Develop a New Product in a Food Business
- Promote and Support Creative Thinking in a Food Business.
Work Placement
A key aspect of this course is participation in a Work Placement. These placements can either be self-found or support can be given by Aberdeenshire Council’s Work Placement Unit.
Placements in this framework have included:
Macphie of Glenbervie Ltd
Thistle Seafoods
Donald Russell Ltd
J Charles Seafoods Ltd
Placements are sourced as close to school or home as possible to minimise disruption, global footprint and costs. Public transport or walking is preferred. If other transport is required, support will be provided by Aberdeenshire Council if necessary.
You could work in areas like:
- Food and drink science
- New product development
- Technology and manufacturing
- Nutrition
- Design and marketing
Careers in the Food and Drink sector are as diverse as the food we eat!
Did you know that Scotland will need around 20,000 new recruits by 2024? The Foundation Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Technologies can support progression into an inspiring career.
Aberdeenshire Council Delivery
This course may be delivered by Aberdeenshire Council Specialist FA Trainers or in conjunction with a local external provider.
Meta-skills
Your Foundation Apprenticeship will also help you to develop core skills valued by employers, particularly:
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Working with others
- Time management
These transferable skills are necessary and highly desirable for working in a range of other related jobs.
To achieve your qualification you will:
Attend class each week
Be committed to learning new things and completing your work within a given timescale
Learn more about meta-skills here
What can I go on to next?
There are several progression routes after completing an FA in Food and Drink Technologies.
- You could use the Foundation Apprenticeship to go to university.
- You could continue your studies at college completing an HNC or HND.
- You could complete a Modern Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Operations at SCQF Level 6.
- You could gain a Graduate Apprenticeship within the sector.
- You could gain employment within the food and drink industry.
Case Study
Food & Drink Technology Aberdeenshire Council Foundation Apprenticeship: Ben’s videodiary
How To Apply
Your school will have Foundation Apprenticeships on your course choice form. If it is on the list, tick the right box, after discussing with your Guidance Teacher if necessary.
If you do not see it there, see either your Guidance Teacher or Depute Head to discuss.
