Thousands of Scots such as Fifer Iona McGhie have been getting on the career ladder thanks to Scotland’s own Foundation Apprenticeships programme, available in schools since 2016

WITH an increasing recognition of the value of work-based pathways, the UK Prime Minister announced the creation of Foundation Apprenticeships in England to give young people a ‘foot-in-the door’. 

Foundation Apprenticeships south of the border are set to provide paid training opportunities post-school.  

However, Scotland already has a Foundation Apprenticeship programme embedded in the school curriculum, offering vital work-based learning and qualifications to young people at an earlier stage and providing employers with a pipeline of talent. 

Rolled out nationally in 2016, Scotland’s Foundation Apprenticeships are well- established and continue to offer school pupils opportunities to develop skills, gain confidence and get ready for the world of work. 

Designed by Skills Development Scotland in partnership with employers, Foundation Apprenticeships offer a blend of academic and work-based learning for young people in the senior phase of secondary school. 

They are available in a range of in-demand job types, including engineering, financial services, health and social care and digital.   

Pupils completing work-based pathways, such as Foundation Apprenticeships, experience better employment outcomes; higher wages and job satisfaction compared to peers. 

The findings were highlighted in a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which also found pupils completing Foundation Apprenticeships stayed in school longer and achieved higher academic performance levels. 

There are 15 different types of Foundation Apprenticeship, with the majority at SCQF level 6.  That’s the same level as a Scottish Higher. 

The apprenticeship is undertaken alongside the rest of the school timetable, usually in S4, S5 or S6 depending on the school and level. 

The programme is delivered through partnerships between schools, a local learning provider such as a college, and local employers. 

During their apprenticeship, learners attend a learning provider where they build up their knowledge and skills, which they then put into practice in a real workplace with an employer. 

By doing a real job with real professionals, apprentices develop knowledge, gain transferable skills and demonstrate competence in the workplace. This helps them move to a range of destinations after schools, including paid apprenticeships, college, university or full-time work.  

Fifer Iona McGhie hopes her path through Scottish Apprenticeships with premium drinks firm Diageo inspires other young women to get into a career in science, technology, engineering or maths.  

The young engineer realised the benefits of working and learning when she took a Foundation Apprenticeship as a school subject and decided to continue to pursue her dream career.  

Iona said: “My grandad inspired me to get into engineering, letting me join him at his work bench to hammer nails and saw things – I just loved working with my hands.  

“I want to be that inspiration for other young women to think about STEM careers, because I just love what I do.”  

The 23-year-old completed a Foundation Apprenticeship at Kirkland High School before progressing on to a Modern Apprenticeship with Diageo, supported by Fife College.  

Iona’s now started the next stage in her apprenticeship journey as a Graduate Apprentice working with the firm and studying for her degree in Mechanical Engineering with Edinburgh’s Heriot Watt University.  

Through her apprenticeship Iona played an integral role in an engineering team who fix breakdowns, complete maintenance and solve problems.  

She excelled in her mechanical engineering studies and her achievements included stepping up to cover for an experienced engineer – when she was relied on to carry out challenging tasks. Iona won the Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 6+ category at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards held earlier this year.  

Iona said: “Doing a Modern Apprenticeship means you can carry out tasks at work that you’ve learned at college, which gives you a huge advantage.  I had always wanted to take my education further and I’m now working in global engineering, involved in a community of engineers all over the world, which is an amazing opportunity.”  

Diageo Capability Manager Rhoda Gabellone said: “Iona absolutely embraced the whole apprenticeship. She won everyone over and went above and beyond. 

“She is a very proactive learner, always keen to progress, and is a natural at coaching and mentoring the younger apprentices who are coming through.  

“Apprentices bring new ways of thinking and working, a drive and eagerness to learn and they help us to future proof our business by bringing new skills.”  

Fife College Employment Engagement Advisor Roseanne Somerville said: “Iona was an exceptional apprentice whose commitment and attitude to her studies was exemplary. She has developed into a confident and competent engineer.”   

Foundation Apprenticeships are funded by Skills Development Scotland and the Scottish Funding Council.   

To find out what’s available in your school, visit apprenticeships.scot/foundation  

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New partnership works to assist disadvantaged young people

HELPING Scotland’s most disadvantaged young people achieve a positive future is the aim of a new partnership agreed between the national skills agency and a leading charity.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and MCR Pathways have signed a joint working agreement aimed at improving the outcomes for young people facing disadvantage in school and when transitioning from school into new pathways. 

SDS Chair Frank Mitchell and MCR Pathways Chair Nick Walters are pictured with team members as they launch the new partnership

The partnership aims to optimise the services of both organisations to help disadvantaged young people such as young care experienced, young people on the edges of care (at risk), young carers, young asylum seekers and those who have suffered significant family bereavement or disruption at home.

The agreement will build on the strengths of national, regional and local community services and collaboratives to tackle, reduce and eradicate the positive destination gap faced by care experienced and disadvantaged young people. 

The agreement was signed at an event with MCR Pathways customers.

MCR Pathways Chair, Nick Walters said: “MCR Pathways are thrilled to be partnering with Skills Development Scotland to ensure care experienced and those at-risk young people in school and leaving school can access personalised support, guidance and information to help them grow the skills they need to discover unlimited possibilities in their future careers.” 

MCR Pathways’ aim is to help young people unlock their potential, no matter their circumstances. 
Working together with an inspiring mentor community and partners, it helps young people to realise their skills and progress onto a positive destination. Its vision is for all young people to experience equality of education outcomes, career opportunities and life chances.

SDS Chair, Frank Mitchell said: “Skills Development Scotland supports young people across the country in schools, our centres, in community venues, online through My World of Work, and through the provision and promotion of Scottish Apprenticeships. We work with partners to provide services that deliver the best outcomes for Scotland’s people, businesses and the economy.

“We are delighted to be working closely with MCR Partnerships. 

“They have a strong service offer and together we can make a real contribution to helping young people in greatest need.”

Grahame Smith, Chair of the Career Services Collaborative, also attended, adding: “I warmly welcome this agreement. 

“It is perfect example of the strong partnership working that the Career Services Collaborative was created to encourage and support. 

“It will help to better support people to develop the skills they need for the rapidly changing world of work and contribute to ensuring career services are designed and available to all through actively addressing disadvantage based on a shared understanding of the reasons 
for persistent and pervasive inequality.  

“I look forward to seeing the fruits of this partnership in helping young people to overcome such barriers.”