A Foundation Apprenticeship is undertaken as part of the Senior Phase choices and alongside other subjects.

The difference between other school subjects is that time is spent away from school with the CNES training team and with local employers.

Foundation Apprentices give you the opportunity to:

• work on real projects with an employer
• gain an industry recognised qualification
• meet people from other schools and in the workplace
• take on more responsibility as a work colleague and team member
   

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar offers the following Foundation Apprenticeships: Automotive, Business, Childcare, Creative Digital Media, Construction, Engineering, Food & Drink, Health Care, Hospitality and IT.  Childcare, Creative Digital Media and Social Care are available through the medium of Gaelic.

A Foundation Apprenticeship lets pupils try out a different way to learn, spending time outside of the classroom with an employer it provides a chance to try a career while still in school. Assessment for the qualification is carried out throughout the course meaning no exams!

Dolina Smith, Learning and Development Manager, said: “Completing Foundation Apprenticeship courses has helped young people in the Western Isles progress into a Modern Apprenticeships, Graduate Apprenticeships, directly into Employment or onto Further or Higher Education. They have helped ease the transition from school pupil to employee and are a great way for pupils to gain practical skills and work experience while earning a highly regarded qualification.”

For more information about Foundation Apprenticeships available in your school email dywouterhebrides@cne-siar.gov.uk or visit Apprenticeships – Information about the Apprenticeship programmes on offer.