Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 6
Duration: 1 year
Why Study a Foundation Apprenticeship?
Who Can Apply?
The Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Social Services (Children and Young People) 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
You will require a satisfactory PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Once you are on the course, Aberdeenshire Council will organise this.
Qualifications Gained
- National Progression Award (NPA) in Social Services (Children and Young People).
- The mandatory units from the Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 6.
Participant's viewpoint
I am really enjoying the FA, I am learning lots. Placement is excellent, I love that you get a real glimpse of what it is really like to be part of the Early Years and Teaching Profession. It has made me even more determined to become a primary school teacher.”
During this course you will learn…
National Progression Award in Social Services (Children and Young People)
- Safeguarding of Children and Young People
- Play for Children and Young People
- Communication with Children and Young People
- Development of Children and Young People
- Promote the Wellbeing and Safety of Children and Young People
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) (Part of)
- Support Effective Communication
- Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals
- Develop your own knowledge and practice
- Support the safeguarding of children
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:
Local primary schools
Local nurseries
Private schools and nurseries
Aberdeenshire Active Schools
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.
The roles could be:
- Social worker
- Nanny
- Nursery worker
- Childminder
- Playworker
Every child deserves the best start in life to grow up happy, healthy and confident. You can help make sure this happens.
With this Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of different childcare roles. Look after young children, organise fun activities and give children and their families vital support by working in this industry.
In Scotland, over 203,000 people work in social services. The number of jobs are still growing, and there are great opportunities for progression, too.
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. This FA is a particularly good route into Primary or Secondary Teaching Degrees.
- You could go on to the Modern Apprenticeship in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 7.
- You could go straight into a job working with children or young people for example become an Early Years Practitioner or a playworker in an afterschool club.
Case Study
Children and Young People Aberdeenshire Council Foundation Apprenticeship: Ross’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.
