Apprentices
Foundation Apprenticeships
Get real-life work experience that’ll set you up for success
How does a Foundation Apprenticeship work?
As a Foundation Apprentice, you’ll:
learn a skill and get work experience – while you’re at school
study and work for 1 to 2 years
choose from up to 15 apprenticeships
get an equal qualification to a National 4, National 5 or Higher
do a real job with professionals
Benefits
You can gain so much from a Foundation Apprenticeship. It'll help you:
get valuable work skills
find out what you like doing
get ready for a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship
move on to a job
gain confidence
After I finished my Foundation Apprenticeship, I
A Foundation Apprenticeship opens doors! You could move on to paid apprenticeship roles, college, university or full-time work. Use our exploration tool to see where your Foundation Apprenticeship could take you.
What apprenticeship could you do?
There are 15 types of Foundation Apprenticeship. Some examples are:
Frequently asked questions
Got any questions about Foundation Apprenticeships? You might want to know:
There are 12 different Foundation Apprenticeships available to study at SCQF Level 6. That's the same level as a Higher. They include Business Skills, Engineering and Creative and Digital Media.
There are also 3 available at SCQF Level 4/5 at some schools as part of a pilot. That's the same level as a National 4 or National 5. They are Automotive, Construction and Hospitality.
Your guidance teacher or school careers adviser can help you find out what’s available.
A Foundation Apprenticeship takes 1 or 2 school years to complete. It depends on the SCQF level of the apprenticeship you’re doing and how your school delivers it. For more information, have a chat with your guidance teacher or school careers adviser.
To apply to become a Foundation Apprentice, you should be in senior school. Most pupils choose their Foundation Apprenticeship when they’re at the end of S4 or S5. They take one or two years to complete.
Talk to your school careers adviser or guidance teacher to find out more.
Our Foundation Apprenticeships page also has a search where you can find out what’s available at your school.
Speak to your guidance teacher or school careers adviser – they'll support you and give you information.
Our Foundation Apprenticeships page also has a search where you can find out what’s available at your school.
Need a bit of help?
We get it – filling out applications and making decisions about your future can be tricky. Head over to My World of Work for advice on applying for jobs and apprenticeships.
Support during your apprenticeship
Everyone needs a bit of support from time to time. We've pulled together advice and information to help you during your apprenticeship.
Get in touch
Need to know anything else about apprenticeships? Whether you’re already doing an apprenticeship or thinking about it, we’re here to help:
get in touch online
call 0800 917 8000
contact us by selecting the Live chat button