Take on an apprentice who is still at school
Last Updated: 29 Nov 2021
Contents
Support provided by
Skills Development Scotland
What does this involve?
A Foundation Apprentice is a school or college student who can normally work at your organisation for one full day or two half days each week, at no cost to you.
The time your Foundation Apprentice spends working with you will count towards a qualification for them.
There are multiple benefits to you and your business:
- you'll get to access fresh talent and build interest in your sector among the next generation
- your staff will also get the opportunity to develop their mentorship and leadership skills as they manage your apprentice
Am I eligible?
Employers must belong to one of the following eligible sectors:
- Accountancy
- Business skills
- Civil engineering
- Creative and digital media
- Engineering
- Financial services
- Food and drink technologies
- Hardware and system support
- Scientific technologies
- Social services – children and young people
- Social services and healthcare
- Software development
Other sectors may be eligible in the future.
What does this cost?
Taking on a Foundation Apprentice is free. As your apprentice will be a school or college student and their work at your organisation will count towards a qualification, you do not need to pay them.
Who is this for?
Employers who would benefit from accessing new talent and would like to offer pupils experience of their industry.
How long does this take?
A Foundation Apprenticeship usually takes two years to complete. However, your Foundation Apprentice will only work with you in the second year of their programme.
You'll meet with potential Foundation Apprenticeship candidates between February and May. In September of the same year, your apprentice will start working with you.
They'll then spend one full day or two half days a week at your organisation, for 30 weeks.
Important information
You'll have a named contact who'll give you support if any issues arise with your apprentice.
Next steps
Visit the Apprentices.scot website to learn more about Foundation Apprenticeships and fill out the quick online application form.
Support provided by
Skills Development Scotland