Social Services (Children & Young People)

Course description

Combining work-based and classroom-based learning in working with children and young people.

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

Every child deserves the best start in life, and by enrolling on this course you can help to make sure this happens. If you enjoy working with young people, making sure they are healthy and happy and seeing them play, learn and develop confidence, this Foundation Apprenticeship could be for you. There’s a big demand for skilled people in the sector, meaning there are lots of job opportunities and great progression routes!

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 (Children & Young People) is for pupils in S5 and S6. You will complete a National Progression Award at SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare and four Mandatory Units of the SVQ 2 Social Services (Children & Young People).

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 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 Childcare sector. Upon completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship, you may gain advanced entry onto an associated Modern Apprenticeship.