FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP IN IT: SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT (TWO YEARS)

Intro to the course:

This 2 year course is for pupils in S5 it gives students the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge to enter a career in IT. It is delivered over two years and you will spend your first year at college developing skills and knowledge across a range of topics and on placement during the second year, getting hands-on experience with an employer.

A career in Software Development could mean working in a wide range of roles within a diverse industry, one of which is IT and Telecoms.

Software development is also behind every app you use and every computer game you play.  If you work in this sector, you could be developing databases, working on virtual reality projects games design or cyber security.

If you can think creatively to solve problems and enjoy computing science and maths, then you could have a successful career in software development.

Who is the course for?

If you're staying on at school, you can apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship.

You can use the search tool to find out if this subject is available at your school. Then just fill out the form to let us know you're interested, and we'll get back to you with more information. 

Apprenticeships | Foundation IT: Software Development

What will I study?

• NPA in software development at SCQF level 6
• 4 units from the diploma for IT and Telecommunications Professional at SCQF Level 6
• Work based learning with employer.

Next step course options

Your Foundation Apprenticeship gives you lots of options: it’s up to you where you go next.

• Modern Apprenticeship: On completing your Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll have already achieved core units of the Modern Apprenticeship in IT and Telecoms, giving you a head start.
• Graduate Apprenticeship: You'll have the right skills and experience to progress to a Graduate Apprenticeship in IT: Software Development.
• Further Education: Continue your studies at college, with an HNC or HND in an ICT and digital subject. Your workplace experience will support your college application.
• University: Foundation Apprenticeships are recognised as equivalent to SQA Highers by all Scottish universities. You’ll already have quality experience in the industry – this will make your UCAS stand out from the crowd. This apprenticeship also provides you with 42 UCAS tariff points. Find out more about points on the UCAS website. 

How will I be assessed?

Delivery and assessment of the relevant National Progression Award (NPA) occurs in first year of 2 year course, using secure SQA coursework and assessment materials. 

The work-based learning element offers access to the workplace, either physically onsite or through remote working where real work activity will be aligned to the organisations objectives and will support the development of evidence for assessment against the outcomes.

Why should I choose this course?

You'll complete your Foundation Apprenticeship alongside your other school subjects. You'll spend time working on projects supported by the college as well as an employer. It'll give you an industry recognised qualification which will look great on your CV. Creative Digital Media (CDM) encompasses the range of creative roles where interactive media storytelling and commerce collide. The utilisation of creative digital content to enable either a product of another service such as marketing, advertising or information gathering, offers a vast array of job roles ranging from pure creative to more technical and data-driven responsibilities. More importantly, this growing sector needs people!

One third of tech companies cite talent shortages as an inhibiter to expansion and there are significant opportunities for young creative people whose interest in digital media extends beyond consuming content and into creating it and getting it out to audiences.

Where can this course lead?

Your Foundation Apprenticeship gives you lots of options: it’s up to you where you go next.  Use your qualification and work experience to find a job in the ICT and digital technologies industry.

What are the entry requirements?

• Students must have gained one or more National 5's to include Maths, Application of Maths or Computing Science (A-C) by end of S4
• Students must be studying a minimum of 1 or more Highers in S5,  in Computing Science, Maths or Application of Maths
• Students must be entering S5 and fully committed to studying a Foundation Apprenticeship over 2 years.
• Students must have an interest in developing greater awareness of the industry and a strong desire to work in the sector

What are the interview arrangements?

All applications should be submitted to your school.

Fees, finance and funding:

Fees and finances for part time:

Find out more about Individual Training Accounts (ITA): https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/sds-individual-training-accounts-ita

Find out more about Part-Time Fee Grants (PFGs): https://www.saas.gov.uk/part-time

Other information:

Year 1: NPA: Tuesday/Thursday 1.30 pm - 4.00 pm 

Year 2:  Tuesday 1.30 pm - 4.00 pm, 9.30am – 4.00pm Thursday. 

This course will run from August to June each year, and you will be required to complete some work at home.