Hosting a Social Services & Healthcare Foundation Apprentice
As an employer hosting an FA, you can help school pupils develop the skills for a rewarding care career.
The Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Social Services and Healthcare helps pupils in S5 and S6 (ages 16-18) gain the skills for a career in care. Delivered over one year, the qualification is at SCQF Level 6 (equivalent to Higher) and includes:
- An NPA in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 6
- Units from the SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 6
- A work placement
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College & workplace learning
College learning
The pupil will attend NESCol to study the theory required to complete their National Progression Award (NPA).
The NPA is delivered over one academic year.
Pupils typically attend College for two half-days a week.
The topics covered in the NPA studied at NESCol are:
- Social Services in Scotland
- Safeguarding People
- Communication in Care Relationships
- Safe Practice and Wellbeing in Social Services
- Human Development and Social Influences
97%
of schools-college students would recommend NESCol¹
Workplace learning
To achieve their SVQ units, pupils will be assessed during a work placement. All apprentices will have a PVG in place prior to starting their placement.
The placement is designed to provide pupils with genuine work experience so they should be taking on real tasks that reflect your organisation’s day-to-day operations.
Previous work placements have included care homes, ARI wards such as the neonatal unit, and social services roles.
Placements typically start in October and end in April, but these can be flexible to meet the needs of the employer.
Pupils usually attend placement one full day or two half-days a week, depending on their school timetable and your organisation.
The SVQ units assessed as part of the work placement are:
- Develop your own knowledge and practice
- Support effective communication
- Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals
- Support the safeguarding of children individuals
Tasks will vary according to the placement and client needs. All pupils will arrive at their placement with a booklet, provided by the College, which lists their role and responsibilities.
Examples of tasks include:
- Personal care and general hygiene
- Supporting mobility (if the client is weight bearing)
- Organising social activities
- Providing meals to clients and supporting with eating and drinking
- Helping clients with preparing meals and budgeting
- Recording and reporting observations, such as changes to a client’s needs or health conditions
- Participating in staff meetings
- Observing the administration of medication
Progression
After completing their FA , the pupil can move on to:
- A Modern Apprenticeship
- Further study at college or university
- 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
Mentor
The pupil is assigned a mentor from your organisation.
Work Based Assessor
The mentor and the pupil will be supported by a Work Based Assessor at NESCol, to ensure all course criteria can be met. They will also be on hand to help with any course queries.
FA Project Officer
A NESCol FA Project Officer is available for the duration of the placement as a point of contact if required.
Flexibility
The days and times for work placement are agreed prior to the start of the FA. An initial introduction with be arranged by the FA Project Officer so the mentor, staff and apprentice can meet and discuss key details such as client confidentiality.
Placement match
Where possible, we’ll match pupils with their placement provider so that their work experience is in an area of interest or an industry where they have ambitions to work.
Resources
Full breakdown of the Foundation Apprenticeship
Practical examples of placement activities
SCQF qualification levels explained
Progression pathways
Contact us
If your organisation is interested in hosting 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