Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills at SCQF Level 6
Duration: 1 year
Why Study a Foundation Apprenticeship?
Who Can Apply?
The Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Business Skills 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
- Able to work with others
- Ability to problem solve
Qualifications Gained
You’ll be assessed throughout your FA Business Skills. At the end, you’ll achieve a Foundation Apprenticeship (Group Award) in Business Services at SCQF Level 6, which includes:
- four units from the SVQ in Business and Administration at SCQF Level 6
- a unit in Contemporary Business Issues (SCQF Level 6)
- a National Progression Award (NPA) in Business with Information Technology (SCQF Level 6)
- a Work Based Challenge Unit (SCQF Level 6).
Employer's viewpoint
We have really enjoyed working with and supporting the Business Skills FA’s. We have seen a huge difference in our two apprentices from when they first started, their confidence has grown immensely.
During this course you will learn…
National Progression Award in Business Skills
- Understanding Business
- Management of People and Finance
- PC Passport: Working with IT Software – Word Processing and Presenting Information
- PC Passport: Working with IT Software – Spreadsheet and database
- Contemporary Business Issues
- Work Placement
SVQ in Business and Administration (Part of)
- Plan how to manage and improve own performance in a business environment
- Communicate in a business environment
- Support other people to work in a business environment
- Design and produce documents in a business environment
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:
AIS Survivex
KR Group
Aberdeenshire Council
Pangeo Subsea Scotland
Wood plc
Sodexo
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.
A qualification in Business Skills could lead to jobs such as:
- Administrative assistant
- Purchasing manager
- Management consultant
- Company secretary
- Human resources officer
- Local government officer
- Receptionist
- Project manager
As a business administrator or budding manager, you’ll have a highly transferable set of knowledge and skills that can be applied in all sectors.
The Foundation Apprenticeship is rooted in the highly respected profession of business administration. You’ll learn about other management and business priorities, such as digital marketing, procurement, supply chain management and enterprise.
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?
- University or College: you could continue your studies, gaining a Higher National Diploma (HND) or degree in a business discipline.
- Employment.
- Gain the full Modern Apprenticeship by completion of the 4 remaining units from SVQ Business and Administration at SCQF Level 6.
- Graduate Apprenticeship
Case Study
Business Skills Aberdeenshire Council Foundation Apprenticeship: Jack’s experience
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.
