COVID-19 FAQs for Foundation Apprentices

Foundation Apprenticeships have been adapted, where relevant, to enable learners to complete all aspects of the qualification, including the introduction of more flexible approaches to the delivery and assessment of learning, teaching and work placements. This gives greater opportunity for learners to gather their evidence and more variety in the ways employers can engage with the programme.

Here’s the latest guidance for anyone due to finish their Foundation Apprenticeship in 2021.

Pupils will be able to achieve their Foundation Apprenticeship through both physical and remote learning.

SDS and SQA are working together to provide support to all those delivering and benefitting from Foundation Apprenticeships.

Joint work is ongoing to provide learning providers with guidance to help pupils due to finish their Foundation Apprenticeships at the end of 2020/21 Academic Year.

SQA has also written to schools regarding the school/college partnerships on assessments for Vocational Qualifications.

Support is available by contacting SQA at qualification.development@sqa.org.uk and SDS will continue to provide ongoing support at a sectoral and regional level. SDS has also published guidance on placement options and some examples of industry engagement to support providers.

Individual learners will be able to access support from SDS Careers Information, Advice and Guidance advisers based in schools and during exam results.

From the end of the spring break, it is expected that all senior phase pupils will return to school.

Your learning provider and school will supply you with more information.
Subject to continued submission of the virus, senior phase school learners studying SCQF level 6 Foundation Apprenticeships in Engineering and Scientific Technologies may commence a limited return to college campuses for essential practical coursework.
 
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-schools-reopening/
 
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-update-first-ministers-statement-15-march-2021/
 
Temporary lockdown guidance for colleges has also been published.
 
SDS recognises the significant challenges local authorities and schools are facing and is keen to support in any way to allow for Foundation Apprenticeships to be prioritised in timetabling over the next few months to support achievement for learners.

From the end of the spring break, it is expected that all senior phase pupils will return to school.
Your learning provider and school will supply you with more information.
Subject to continued submission of the virus, senior phase school learners studying SCQF level 6 Foundation Apprenticeships in Engineering and Scientific Technologies may commence a limited return to college campuses for essential practical coursework.
 
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-schools-reopening/
 
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-update-first-ministers-statement-15-march-2021/
 
Temporary lockdown guidance for colleges has also been published.
 
SDS recognises the significant challenges local authorities and schools are facing and is keen to support in any way to allow for Foundation Apprenticeships to be prioritised in timetabling over the next few months to support achievement for learners.

Foundation Apprenticeship certificates will be issued before Results Day on 10 August, 2021.

SQA will confirm all elements that you have achieved from taking the Foundation Apprenticeship. These can be added to your CV to demonstrate the knowledge, understanding and skills that you have gained.

SDS, local authorities, schools, colleges, and independent learning providers monitor all Scottish Government guidelines regarding safe working practices within education, skills, and employment environments. Foundation Apprenticeships have been amended so that a blended approach to face to face and on-line learning allows learners the opportunities to complete all elements of the qualifications. New arrangements have been put into place, which will ensure necessary practical elements can be completed by the end of the academic year.

Your school and learning provider will guide you through a detailed outline of the course requirements and how these will be delivered. This will be tailored to meet your needs.

The blended approach of a mixture of face to face and on-line learning will continue to be supported by your school, learning provider and local authority, until it is safe for work placements and face to face learning in school, college and employers’ premises to commence.

Yes. SDS is working with everyone involved in delivering Foundation Apprenticeships to make sure there’s necessary adaptations in place for anyone undertaking their second year.  Your school and learning provider will keep you up to date with all arrangements.

If you want to find out more and Learning Provider application process, you can submit an Expressions of Interest at:

https://www.apprenticeships.scot/become-an-apprentice/foundation-apprenticeships/

You can also speak to your guidance teacher and school careers adviser to help with this.

Work based learning involves a mix of both physical and remote work placements, project- based activity, employer contact, including mentoring and industry challenges. SDS will continue to follow the Scottish Government’s guidance on safe working practices and suitable work- based learning opportunities.

SDS will work with local authorities and schools to ensure FA learners can undertake practical elements in line with all health and safety guidance, including full return to school for senior phase pupils at the end of the Spring Break in April 2021.

Although your local careers centre is currently closed in line with the government COVID-19 guidance, you can still get careers advice.

Careers advisers are available over the phone or online. If you want to speak to your school careers adviser, you can call your local centre and ask for them by name. 

You can also phone 0800 917 8000 to be put in touch with your local SDS team or visit myworldofwork.co.uk

You should continue to follow Scottish Government guidelines. Information and advice is available online at https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

Public health advice can be found at: Coronavirus (COVID-19) on NHS Inform at https://www.nhsinform.scot/

If you are feeling anxious or stressed, you can find advice on looking after your mental well-being, please see Well-being Support. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/your-mental-wellbeing/coronavirus-covid-19-your-mental-wellbeing

You may also be experiencing personal issues such as bereavement, addiction, or domestic abuse. You can find information on a wide range of topics, including the support available to you if you have been affected by any of the issues, at BBC Action Line https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/

We understand that many apprentices are feeling unsettled at the moment and you’ll be worried about not being able to attend your placement or school.  

Your learning provider contact is also available for ongoing support during your Foundation Apprenticeship.