Foundation Apprenticeships from Borders College

A Foundation Apprenticeship is a new type of apprenticeship that helps you get qualified through work experience and work-based learning.

Usually you take it as one of your S5 subject choices and work towards a qualification over 1 or 2 years. It’s the same qualification level as a Higher, but unlike your other subjects, your Foundation Apprenticeship takes you out of the classroom and gets you working on real projects with a real business.

You spend time at school and get training with an employer and with a local learning provider.

A Foundation Apprenticeship gives you the combination of a qualification and valuable work place experience in some of Scotland’s most exciting industries, all with projected growth in jobs.

Who is it for?

Foundation Apprenticeships are for pupils making decisions about which subjects they’ll study in S5 and S6. In general they are suited to pupils who: Are capable of working at SCQF Level 6 – the same level of learning as a Higher.

Want to try an alternative way to learn, not just in the classroom

Have an interest in developing greater awareness of a specific industry with an aspiration of pursuing a career in that area.Whether you want to go to university or college, do an Apprenticeship or go straight into work, a Foundation Apprenticeship can help.   

Going to university or college? Foundation Apprenticeships are recognised by all of Scotland’s universities and colleges as the same level of qualification as a Higher. What’s more, industry experience will help your application stand out.

Thinking about an Apprenticeship?

A Foundation Apprenticeship is a great stepping stone on to a Modern Apprenticeship or Graduate Apprenticeship.

Headed straight to work?

A Foundation Apprenticeship gives you the specific skills an employer is looking for in their industry plus more general ones like problem solving, communication and teamwork. You’ll also be able to show qualities employers are looking for, like good time keeping and a positive attitude.