Foundation Apprenticeship in Scientific Technologies at SCQF level 6
Duration: 1 year
Why Study a Foundation Apprenticeship?
Who Can Apply?
The Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills) is for pupils staying on at school. You can choose an FA as one of your subjects in S5 or S6.
Entry Requirements
- Nat 5 Maths or Applications of Maths
- One science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) to Nat 5 level
- 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
- Part of the NC Applied Sciences or Professional Development Award (PDA) Laboratory Science.
- Part of the SVQ Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities at SCQF Level 6.
Participant's viewpoint
Learning in placement is very different from learning in class. Everything in placement is hands on and very practical. It was super useful to build on my knowledge of working with different pieces of equipment. Communicating in a small team is a skill I have improved as I had to relay result information and ask for help if something went wrong.
During this course you will learn…
National Progression Award in Scientific Technologies
- Laboratory Safety
- Mathematics for Science
- Fundamental Chemistry: An Introduction
- Experimental Procedures: Science
SVQ in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (Industrial Science) (Part of)
- Follow Health and Safety procedures for Scientific or Technical Activities
- Carry out simple Scientific or technical tests using manual equipment
- Prepare compounds and solutions for Scientific or Technical use
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:
University of Aberdeen (School of Medical Sciences)
Core Laboratories (UK) Ltd
The James Hutton Institute (Aberdeen)
Intertek Group Plc
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:
- Biomedical scientist
- Biotechnologist, biochemist
- Laboratory technician
- Marine biologist
- Geoscientist
Choose a career in science and help develop the medicines and biotechnology of the future. You could work in medical research or industrial, marine, plant and environmental areas.
Scotland has a thriving life science and related science sector. There are over 7,500 roles within life sciences related operations
There is a great and growing demand for more young workers with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) skills and qualifications. On average, those working in STEM careers earn 20% more than those working in other fields.
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?
- You could go onto complete the Modern Apprenticeship in Life Sciences at SCQF Level 7.
- You may gain entry to the Technical Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 8.
- University or College: you could continue your studies, gaining a Higher National Diploma (HND) or degree.
- You could go into a job in the industry.
- You could gain a Graduate Apprenticeship.
Case Study
Scientific Technologies Aberdeenshire Council Foundation Apprenticeship: Lauren’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.
