Supporting the Construction Foundation Apprenticeship
As an employer, you can help school pupils develop their skills for a career in construction.
The Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in construction introduces pupils in S4 – S6 (ages 15 -18) to a range of practical and technical skills.
Delivered over one year, the qualification can be studied at SCQF Level 4 (equivalent to Nat 4) or SCQF Level 5 (equivalent to Nat 5). It includes:
- An NPA in Construction Skills at SCQF Level 4 or 5
- A work-based challenge unit
College & workplace learning
College learning
The pupil will attend NESCol to complete both their National Progression Award (NPA) and work-based challenge unit.
Teaching will take the form of practical, hands-on activities in a workshop environment, combined with classroom-based theory lessons.
The pupil will attend College for two half days a week, with the course delivered over one academic year.
The NPA includes a number of short units that give pupils the opportunity to try out and develop their skills across a range of trades.
The topics covered at SCQF Level 4 include:
- Understanding Industry
- Personal Development: Self and Work
- Brickwork: An Introduction
- Carpentry and Bench Joinery: An Introduction
- Painting and Decorating: An Introduction
The topics covered at SCQF Level 5 includes:
- One Brick Walling: An Introduction
- Develop Bench Joinery Skills
- Decorative Painting
97%
of schools-college students would recommend NESCol¹
Employer involvement
Employer engagement is a key part of the FA and there are a number of ways for an organisation to get involved (note that there are no work placements for the Construction FA).
Part of the apprenticeship requires pupils to work together on a project, with a brief set by a real client.
With support from NESCol, employers can set this project which will form the work-based challenge unit. This should complement some of the learning outcomes from the NPA.
Site visits are a great opportunity for pupils to gain an insight into the construction sector, and some real-life context for their project.
Site visits are not essential for the FA and are subject to health and safety.
Progression
After completing their FA , the pupil can move on to:
- A Modern Apprenticeship
- Further study at college
- Employment
Previous employers have been so impressed with their apprentice, that they’ve hired them in a full-time role or as a Modern Apprentice.
Support
FA Project Officer
A NESCol FA Project Officer will be on hand for the duration of the programme as a point of contact.
Resources
Full breakdown of the Foundation Apprenticeship
Employer guide
SCQF qualification levels explained
Progression pathways
Contact us
If your organisation is interested in supporting an FA, or if you have any further questions, please get in touch with the team:
¹ Source: NESCol Student Satisfaction & Engagement Survey AY 2024/25