Aberdeenshire Council has developed a very extensive and successful Foundation Apprenticeship programme in our schools. This programme has had a real and sustainable impact on a number of Scottish Government Priorities, such as;

• Scottish Attainment Challenge – Raising Attainment and Closing the Poverty Related Attainment Gap
• Development of Meta-skills
• Workforce Development
• Labour Market Opportunities and Planning
• Employer Engagement
• Excellence & Equity and Promotion of Equalities

Foundation Apprenticeships provide a highly regarded qualification towards university, college entrance or a Modern Apprenticeship enabling young people to stand out from the crowd in interviews for jobs within a comprehensive field.  The FA gives pupils a taste of a job sector, “A try before you buy” before they commit fully and builds a considerable portfolio of work-related skills such as organisation, teamwork and communication.

There are two parts to the Foundation Apprenticeship qualification, the NPA (or National Progression Award) and an SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification). The NPA is delivered in school over the same amount of time as a Higher via continuous assessments throughout the year.  This requires independent learning and self-discipline. The SVQ element is usually delivered through a work placement with a local company.