Young people in Scotland are kick-starting their careers with a Foundation Apprenticeship in school

A Foundation Apprenticeship offers youngsters the chance to gain the skills employers need in a work-based learning environment – we look at a trio who took one at school to realise their ambitions

Young people across Scotland are kick-starting their careers by choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as a school subject.

These apprenticeships are made for business, providing pupils with the skills employers need, offering the youngsters industry insight to gain a work-based learning qualification at the same level as a Scottish Higher.

Logan’s story – apprentice site manager

Studying a Foundation Apprenticeship at Bannerman High School in Glasgow has put Logan Forsyth on course for a career in construction and a degree.

Logan wants to show others that dyslexia isn’t a barrier after completing his Foundation Apprenticeship with Graham Construction, before landing a Graduate Apprenticeship with the firm.

Logan achieved more than 90 per cent in his graded unit as a Foundation Apprentice, the highest in his group at Glasgow Kelvin College.

Logan’s placement at Graham involved working on a healthcare project where his main tasks included participating in client progress meetings, capturing progress photographs for the site diary, taking part in site health and safety visits, marking up drainage surveys, and conducting quality inspections.

The 17-year-old is now employed as an apprentice site manager at Graham on a Construction and Built Environment Graduate Apprenticeship, and he is on track to be a future leader within the business.

Logan, of Baillieston, says: “Doing the Foundation Apprenticeship gives you a great insight into a job and a potential career pathway.

“Being able to do a placement on site and see how people function there was really eye opening, and I’ve improved my time management and independent learning.

“Using a computer at college helped me read information more easily and showed me dyslexia didn’t need to hold me back, which boosted my confidence.”

Emily’s story – growing audience for her favourite football club

Dumfries teenager Emily Copeland combined her passion for social media and love for football on her Foundation Apprenticeship to score thousands more online followers for her local team.

Emily chose a Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media during her final year at Dumfries High School.

The avid Queen of the South fan secured her own placement at the club, managing its social media platforms. She soon grew the online following for the Scottish League One side, known as the “Doonhamers” to 7,000 – a target she had set herself.

Emily developed fresh, dynamic online content and introduced innovative player interviews that boosted engagement on social media.

Emily, 18, says: “Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship meant I could support my club and gain valuable work experience while still at school.

“I was given free rein and trusted to work independently, which improved my confidence and professional skills, including organisation and time management.

“It strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in sports media.”

The club was so impressed with Emily’s contribution they have taken on a new Foundation Apprentice who Emily coaches while studying for an HNC in Business.

Kaleb’s story – dream job in childcare

Dumbarton teenager Kaleb Mbise chose a caring role for his Foundation Apprenticeship role – and has now landed a job in his dream career as a childcare practitioner.

He completed a Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services: Children and Young People with a placement at Bellsmyre Early Education Centre in his home town.

The 17-year-old, who was inspired by his parents’ caring roles in social work, progressed straight into a Modern Apprenticeship after his experience confirmed his ambition to become a childcare practitioner.

Kaleb explains: “I grew up around a caring style of work, and I just love working with children – it’s great to see them grow and develop.

“The Foundation Apprenticeship gave me a real insight into childcare and confirmed that it was something I was passionate about and really wanted to do. My Foundation Apprenticeship helped me develop teamwork and communication skills, as well as being able to think on my feet and come up with solutions quickly.”

Kaleb is now thriving in his new role at the Andrew B Cameron Early Education & Childcare Centre in Dumbarton.

Find out more about Foundation Apprenticeships

For more information, visit apprenticeships.scot/foundation