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Foundation apprenticeships

Learning in the workplace

At New College Lanarkshire (NCL) we offer twelve Foundation Apprenticeship frameworks which include Creative and Digital Media, Engineering, IT, Science and Social Services.

These programmes have been developed by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to help young people gain valuable, real-world work experience and access work-based learning while still at school.

If you reside in North Lanarkshire or South Lanarkshire and are keen on pursuing a Foundation Apprenticeship, kindly reach out via email to the following council contacts:

South Lanarkshire Council: youth.employability@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

North Lanarkshire Council: McgrathMar@northlan.gov.uk

Find out more about our recent Foundation Apprenticeship success stories! Read Petra's story here, and read Kyle's story here.

Foundation Apprenticeship courses

Creative and Digital Media

Calling all storytellers, techies, designers and creative thinkers! This is a Foundation Apprenticeship that lets you bring your ideas to life. There’s a career for you in Scotland’s thriving creative industry – whatever your interests. It’s one of our most diverse sectors, covering subjects such as - architecture, TV, radio, fashion and textiles. You could do roles such as - broadcast journalist, TV or film producer.

Mechanical Engineering

Engineers bring ideas to life. They design, create, test and improve all sorts of products and processes. From James Watt’s steam engine to Andy Scott’s Kelpies, Scotland is great at engineering. This is a great time to start your engineering career as there's a huge demand for new talent.

Civil Engineering

This Foundation Apprenticeship introduces pupils to skills needed for a civil engineering career. You can support the civil engineers of the future who'll build and shape the world. As a civil engineer you could work on everything from roads and railways, schools, hospitals or utilities.

Engineering Systems

The Engineering Systems Foundation Apprenticeship gives students the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge to enter into a career in engineering and the advanced manufacturing sector. The programme is designed to provide participants with theory, practice and related work experience and can lead to employment in direct technical roles such as engineers, scientists and technologists.

Construction

This Foundation Apprenticeship introduces pupils to skills needed for a career in construction. There's a broad range of opportunities for apprentices in construction. You can support the next generation to shape and build the world, whether on a building site or at a drawing board. And because there's a demand for construction professionals, your business can help fill the skills gap.

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Automotive

This Foundation Apprenticeship introduces pupils to skills for a career in automotive. It teaches them about the car and transport industry and can prepare them for jobs such as - motor vehicle technician, auto electrical technician, roadside assistance engineer and parts distribution operative.

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Hospitality

This Foundation Apprenticeship gives pupils skills to prepare for a career in hospitality. It's an exciting industry with job opportunities in hotels, restaurants, bars and other venues. You can support school pupils to get experience and knowledge for diverse roles such as - chefs, housekeepers, hotel and catering managers, bar staff, food service staff and baristas.

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IT: Software Development

Gaming, virtual reality, cyber security – the digital world is changing fast. You could help decide where it goes next. It's a great time to work in the industry. With this Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll be ready for roles that are in demand now and in the future. They could include - software developer, data administrator, web developer and network manager.

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Social Services and Healthcare

If you have a passion for improving lives and helping others, a career in this rewarding field could be for you. A Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare helps prepare for a range of care roles. These could include - adult or children's nurse, care assistant, care home manager, social worker and residential support worker.

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Social Services: Children and Young People

Every child deserves the best start in life so they grow up to be happy, healthy and confident. You can help make sure this happens - and a Foundation Apprenticeship is a great place to start. You'd look after young children, support them and their families and do fun activities. Typical roles could include - social worker, nanny, nursery worker and childminder.

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Your questions answered

Below you'll find answers to the questions we get asked the most when applying for a Foundation Apprenticeship.

Foundation Apprenticeships are a work-based learning opportunity for senior-phase secondary school pupils. Lasting two years, pupils typically begin their Foundation Apprenticeship in S5. Young people spend time out of school at college or with a local employer, and complete the Foundation Apprenticeship alongside their other subjects like National 5s and Highers.

Choose the apprenticeship as part of your subject choices in S4 or S5
Spend time with a learning provider, such as New College Lanarkshire
Work on industry projects supported by experienced colleagues
Get assessed on the work you do to achieve the qualification
Successfully finish the apprenticeship so you earn the qualification and essential skills employers want

If you’re in S4 or S5 now, and thinking about your subject choices, you can choose a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your options in S5 and S6.

Visit Apprenticeship.scot to find out more, and see what’s available at your school.

Courses can run for 1 year or 2 years.

You would typically begin your Foundation Apprenticeship in S5. You will spend time out of school at college or with a local employer, and complete the Foundation Apprenticeship alongside your other subjects like National 5s and Highers.

Talk with a member of our team

Your success is our priority, and our team are here to help you every step of the way. Get in touch today.