Social Services & Healthcare

Course description

Combining work-based and classroom-based learning in Social Care and Healthcare.

This programme, delivered over one or two years incorporates classroom-based study with work–based learning, in order to prepare you for entry to the workplace or full–time Further or Higher Education. The course is funded by Skills Development Scotland.

Over 400,000 people work in social services and healthcare in Scotland — caring for people when they need it most. Whether it’s helping an older person to get ready in the morning to providing nursing and medical care in a hospital setting, a career in the social services and healthcare sector is a as vital as it is rewarding.

A Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services could set you on the right track. All Social Work degrees in Scotland accept a Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services & Healthcare for entry.

Find out more about this course from Skills Development Scotland

For information, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) provides a useful tool/resource for career planning within the care sector.

The Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services & Healthcare is for pupils in S5 and S6. Over one or two years you will complete a National Progression Award at SCQF Level 6 in Social Services & Healthcare and 4 Mandatory Units of the SVQ 2 Social Services & Healthcare.

The National Progression Award will include units in:

You will also undertake work-based learning during which you will gain the mandatory units of the SVQ Level 2 qualification. Two additional optional SVQ Level 2 units must be completed upon entry to the social services workforce.

Pupils completing this Foundation Apprenticeship on a Short Duration Delivery Model (1 year programme) will be expected to undertake both coursework and work-based learning elements within the same year, generally spending the equivalent of a day a week in a College staff delivered class and a day a week on placement.

We recommend that applicants for the one-year delivery model only study 3 additional school-based courses alongside the Foundation Apprenticeship.

Students will need access to a computer with internet access to allow them to study outwith class time.

Learning outcome

Progression:

Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to eight universities across Scotland and great relationships with industry employers.

Upon successful completion of this course, you may be able to progress to one of the following full-time courses at North East Scotland College:

This course will prepare you to access a range of university degrees programmes. Foundation Apprenticeships are accepted as equivalent to at least one Higher by all Scottish Universities. Further qualifications may be required for University entry — applicants should check individual course entry requirements for further information.

Those who wish to progress directly to employment will find a range of entry-level jobs available in the Health and Social care sector. Upon completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship, you may gain advanced entry onto an associated Modern Apprenticeship.