Foundation Apprenticeship and School Partnership places at Forth Valley College

Forth Valley College is offering pupils the chance to study with them while still at school, and is hoping teachers and parents will help sign them up.
Discover your future at Forth Valley CollegeDiscover your future at Forth Valley College
Discover your future at Forth Valley College

These courses are for school pupils moving into S4, S5 and S6 in August 2022, who can join their vocational courses as one of their subject options, alongside their school-based national and higher qualifications.

Everyone has heard the phrase ‘school’s not for everyone’, but even if it was, FVC’s school partnership courses can enhance, improve and develop on what senior school pupils are learning at secondary.

Another advantage is that the award-winning Forth Valley College is one of Scotland’s best, leading the way in STEM subject areas and boasting industry experts across all teaching departments.

Sign up today for the schools partnershipSign up today for the schools partnership
Sign up today for the schools partnership

It is a real win-win situation as it gives pupils a taste of what to expect in further or higher education, and takes the anxiety away from them when they eventually leave school and make their next step in education.

It also encourages more independence, responsibility and maturity and allows them to experience a whole range of leisure activities and social networks.

HNC fast-track

Pupils entering S5 in August and planning to continue in school in S6 can sign up to study a Higher National Certificate (HNC) over the two years.

HNCs are currently available in Applied Biological Sciences, Computing, Police Studies and Sports Coaching and Developing. They are at the same level as an Advanced Higher and on completion can lead on to some HND courses, or even directly into year two of some degree courses at University.

Foundation Apprenticeships

The college can also offer pupils entering S5 with a choice of 12 Foundation Apprenticeship courses, developed by Skills Development Scotland, in conjunction with industry bodies.

Foundation Apprenticeships are at the same level as a Higher, are also studied over two years and involve learning in the workplace with a local employer, as well as studying at college. Successful completion of most Foundation Apprenticeships gives a guaranteed place on an HNC at the college, or a head start with a Modern Apprenticeship.

The qualifications are also accepted by most Scottish universities as equivalent to a Higher. Foundation Apprenticeships are available in Accountancy, Business Skills, Civil Engineering, Construction, Engineering, Media, IT Hardware and System Support, Software Development, Hospitality, Social Services: Children and Young People.

A wide range of courses

National Progression Awards (NPA) are also available for school pupils in Cyber Security, Events, Exercise and Fitness Leadership, Social Services: Children and Young People and Sport and Fitness: Team Sports: Football, Sound Production and Travel and Tourism.

Skills for Work (SFW) is another option for school pupils to consider at FVC and subjects include Creative Industries, Early Education and Childcare, and Engineering. An introduction to Hair and Beauty, a school link in Make-up Artistry, and Higher Psychology might also spark an interest in senior phase pupils.

It's a great opportunity to get ahead of the game before leaving school – so go on and help them make their next move!

Pupils interested in these courses should talk to their support teacher. For more information, visit www.forthvalley.ac.uk/schools

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