The Foundation Apprenticeship in Software Development is designed to provide S5 and S6 pupils opportunities to develop skills and knowledge for entry into a career in the IT sector. It also contributes directly to achievement of the Modern Apprenticeship in IT and Telecoms by attainment of the core units of the MA qualification. Building the fundamental skills required to pursue further training or employment in software development.
This course would suit individuals who:
This two–year programme incorporates classroom–based study with work–based learning to prepare you for entry to the workplace or full–time Further or Higher Education.
This course can give you the practical experience to help accelerate your career in Software Development, you will focus on software design & development, website and application development.
As of 2019 there are over 500 jobs available in Soctland which require experience of Software Development, taking this course can lead you onto a promising career with lots of potential and will also support you in pursuing a career in Cyber Security at a later date.
Find out more about this course from Skills Development Scotland
The Foundation Apprenticeship in Information Technology (Software Development) is for pupils in S5 and S6. You will complete a National Progression Award (NPA) at SCQF level 6 in Software Development. You will also complete an extended work placement during which you will work towards the Diploma for IT & Telecommunications Professionals.
The NPA will include units in:
You will also undertake work–based learning during which you will attend an extended work experience with an industry partner equivalent to a day a week. During that time you will develop essential skills for the workplace and be assessed on your performance in each of the following areas:
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.
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
You will need a keen interest in Software Development and be capable of working at SCQF Level 6 (equivalent to Highers). You should be expecting to achieve a pass in National 5 Computing Science to be eligible for this course. Alternative and related qualifications at SCQF Level 5 and above may be considered for entry to this programme.
This course involves a work based learning experience and will require the equivalent of 6 hours per week allocated to this in the second year of study, or during the first year if studying the full Foundation Apprenticeship over one year.
Pupils would benefit from studying subjects such as Higher Computing, Higher Maths and NPA Digital Media alongside the Foundation Apprenticeship.
Students will need access to a computer with internet access to allow them to study outwith class time.
A selection process will be applied to all applicants.
Whilst you are on the course, you will be required to:
Eating and drinking are not permitted in classrooms. Drinking water is available from water dispensers in the corridors within the College buildings.
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:
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, such as Junior Software Engineer, Junior Software Developer or Junior Web Developer. Upon completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship, you may gain advanced entry onto an associated Modern Apprenticeship.
“I feel the course has prepared me well for my new role and I’m excited to put my new skills into practice and have the opportunity to do something I love every day! “
“I really have so much to thank NESCol for. I’m sure it is an experience that will have a positive impact throughout my life.”
Shay’s HND has given him knowledge and skills that are vital for running a business today including cyber resilience, e-commerce solutions and social media and knows the course has given him a solid grounding in business operations, technology and project management which will serve him well for the continued success of their family business.
“I would definitely recommend NESCol to everyone who wants to study computing. No matter what age, or if this is their first course, or – if like me – you want to change your career. It’s a very friendly environment, well quipped when it comes to computing facilities and – most importantly – with very, very supportive and highly knowledgeable lecturers.”
“I enjoy Computing because it’s such a broad field. There’s a variety of skills to learn and you can easily develop a niche. No two projects will be the same and since it’s such a fast-paced field, there are always new developments to keep abreast of.
“The computing courses give you lots of practical skills and a strong foundation to expand upon.”
“By sharing my experience I hope I can inspire anyone with autism.”
“I would say to anyone thinking of returning to learning after time away – just do it.”
“I I started with the intro course, am close to completing my Level 5 and next year I will be studying for my HNC – I’m so pleased with how far I have come.”
“College was great. I really enjoyed meeting new people interested in the same subject as me. The course really gave you free rein to explore your interest in different directions so you can get a feel for what you like.”
“Just because you are a girl, it will not stop you from succeeding or being accepted in computing. The college is very inclusive and really encourages girls and everyone to pursue a career in computing as long as they have a genuine interest in it.”
This course is only available to pupils in S4 to S6 across Aberdeen City and Shire, giving pupils the opportunity to experience life as a College student whilst staying on at school.
Please note, applications for schools courses must be submitted by a member of school staff.
This course is currently unavailable for booking. Why not join our mailing list to be the first to know when bookings re-open? Don’t worry – you can choose to only hear about part-time, full-time or distance learning courses and we’ll only be in touch when we’ve got something important to tell you. Alternatively, you can browse our distance learning courses and start learning straight away!
Please note that courses are subject to minimum viability levels. In the event of insufficient numbers of applications, courses may be withdrawn from the programme. Certain courses are arranged with schools working in a consortium arrangement – in such cases, pupils from consortium schools will be given priority in the allocation of places.
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