Foundation Apprenticeships

What are Foundation Apprenticeships?

Start learning skills and earn qualifications that could lead to a career in the health and care sector while you’re still at school. There is no better time to explore the wide range of careers we can offer you.

A Foundation Apprenticeship means you can: 

• Learn new skills and get real work experience.
• Study alongside your other school subjects.
• Earn a work-based qualification at the same SCQF level as a Higher.
• Explore the range of career options on offer.

You’ll study with a college or learning provider for one to two years, depending on the Foundation Apprenticeship type you choose. They’ll give you the support you need to fulfil your potential while gaining a recognised qualification. You’ll also attend a work placement one day a week. In the workplace, you’ll have a coach or mentor helping you learn valuable work skills. 

Colleges and learning providers partner with local employers to provide suitable work placement sites for Foundation Apprenticeships. Your work placement may not be with the NHS. Talk to your college or learning provider about your options.

Which Foundation Apprenticeship is right for you?

Foundation Apprenticeships cover a wide range of careers relevant to the health and care sector.

NHSScotland has supported young people to develop skills in the workplace and explore careers through the following Foundation Apprenticeship types:

• Social Services and Healthcare – You could experience various health and social care jobs in the NHS, care homes, and local authorities.
• Business Skills – You'll learn what working in a non-clinical business support team is like and how to use business skills in the workplace.
• Creative and Digital Media – You'll complete projects related to digital content, including social media, communications, and marketing campaigns.
• Engineering – You'll prepare tools, help plan engineering jobs, carry out risk assessments, and learn about health and safety in the workplace.
• Scientific Technologies – you'll learn about working in a hospital laboratory, manually testing biological samples and recording the results.