FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP BUSINESS SKILLS (TWO YEARS)

Intro to the course:

The One and Two Year Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Business Skills is offered in S5 and S6. If you have a strong desire to develop a career in business you can enhance your school studies with industry experience and a College and University recognised qualification. It is delivered over one and two years and you will spend time in college developing skills and knowledge across a range of topics and on placement getting hands-on experience with an employer.

Modern businesses require leaders, managers and administrators in their management team to provide strategic, tactical and operational services. Budding managers and administrators have a highly transferable set of knowledge, skills and behaviours that can be applied in all sectors. This includes small and large businesses alike: from the public, private  and charitable sectors. This apprenticeship programme is properly “grounded” in the highly respected profession of Business Administration, whilst giving you the opportunity to appreciate and understand other management and business priorities. 

You will study areas that will help you appreciate business priorities such as digital marketing, procurement, enterprise, human resources and finance,  alongside a valuable work placement with an employer 

Who is the course for?

If you're staying on at school, you can apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship. You can use the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) link below to find out if this subject is available at your school. Then just fill out the form to let them know you're interested, and SDS will get back to you with more information.

https://www.apprenticeships.scot/browse-frameworks/foundation-apprenticeships/business-skills/individual-business-skills

What will I study?

• National Progression Award (NPA) in business with information technology at SCQF Level 6
• four units of the SVQ level 3 business and administration
• work based learning with an employer.

Next step course options

Foundation Apprenticeships are directly aligned to three primary progression pathways. These are: 

• Modern Apprenticeship: A pupil completing the Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills will have achieved a large proportion of the requirements for a Modern Apprenticeship in Business Skills at SCQF level 6. Learners may also progress to a Modern Apprenticeship in Business Skills at SCQF level 7.
• Further Education: All Scottish further education colleges recognise the Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills as an eligible qualification towards Higher National provision, alongside other qualifications.
• Higher Education: Scottish universities recognise the Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills as an eligible qualification towards under-graduate degrees and graduate apprenticeship provision, alongside other qualifications. The experience gained through the framework looks excellent in UCAS applications to university.

How will I be assessed?

• Delivery and assessment of the relevant National Progression Award (NPA) occurs at the start of the programme on the 1 year course and 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 a learning provider, like a college, as well as an employer. It'll give you an industry recognised qualification which will look great on your CV. The Foundation Apprenticeship is rooted in the highly respected profession of business administration. And, you’ll get the opportunity to learn about other management and business priorities, such as: digital marketing, procurement, supply chain management and enterprise.

Where can this course lead?

As a business administrator or budding manager, you’ll have a highly transferable set of knowledge and skills that can be applied in all sectors. A qualification in Business Skills could lead to jobs like: 

• Administrative assistant 
• Purchasing manager 
• Management consultant 
• Company secretary 
• Human resources officer 
• Local government officer 
• Receptionist 
• Project manager 

The Foundation Apprenticeship is rooted in the highly respected profession of business administration. And, you’ll get the opportunity to learn about other management and business priorities, such as: digital marketing, procurement, supply chain management and enterprise.

What are the entry requirements?

• Students must have gained one or more Nat 5’s by the end of S4, to include English or any Business subject.
• Students must be studying 1 or more Highers in S5, in any of the following areas:  English, Economics, Maths, Business
• Students must have a genuine interest in developing greater awareness of the industry and a strong desire to work in the service.

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.