Hosting a Scientific Technologies Foundation Apprentice
As an employer hosting an FA, you can help students gain valuable, in-demand STEM skills in Scotland.
The Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Scientific Technologies allows pupils in S5 and S6 (ages 16-18) to develop the skills and knowledge needed for a career in the thriving science sector. The qualification is at SCQF Level 6 (equivalent to Higher) and includes:
- An NPA in Scientific Technologies at SCQF Level 6
- SVQ units – Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (Industrial Science)
- A work placement
College & workplace learning
College learning
The pupil will attend NESCol to study the theory required to complete their National Progression Award (NPA).
The NPA is delivered over one academic year.
Pupils typically attend College for two half-days a week.
The topics covered in the NPA include:
- Laboratory Safety
- Mathematics for Science 2
- Fundamental Chemistry: An introduction
- Experimental Procedures: Science
97%
of schools-college students would recommended NESCol¹
Workplace learning
To achieve their Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) units, pupils will be assessed during their work placement.
The placement is designed to provide pupils with genuine work experience so they should be taking on real tasks that reflect your company’s day-to-day operations.
Placements typically last four to five months, but these can be flexible to meet the needs of the employer.
Pupils usually attend placement one full day or two half-days a week, depending on their school timetable and your organisation.
The SVQ units assessed as part of the work placement are:
- Follow Health and Safety Procedures for Scientific or Technical Activities
- Carry Out Simple Scientific or Technical Tests Using Manual Equipment
- Prepare Compounds and Solutions for Scientific or Technical Use
Apprentices are required to complete general laboratory-based tasks that support your team’s usual work. There’s no need to create special assessments outside of normal duties.
How this looks will depend on your organisation. For example, you may assign the pupil their own mini project or have them help staff with processing or analysing samples.
Previous students have carried out tasks such as:
- Preparation of buffer solutions
- Determination of composition of a fluid via titration
- Measuring pH of solutions
- Measuring density of solutions
- Preparing media for growth of microorganisms
- Growing and analysing microorganisms
- Conducting strength/integrity tests on materials
- Logging of samples on a database
Progression
After completing their FA, the pupil can move on to:
- A Modern Apprenticeship
- A Graduate Apprenticeship
- Further study at college or university
- Employment
Previous employers have been so impressed with their apprentice, that they’ve hired them in a full-time role or as a Modern or Graduate Apprentice.
Support
Mentor
The pupil is assigned a mentor from your organisation.
Work Based Assessor
The mentor and the pupil will be supported by a Work Based Assessor at NESCol, to ensure all course criteria can be met. They will also be on hand to help with any course queries.
FA Project Officer
A NESCol FA Project Officer is available for the duration of the placement as a point of contact if required.
Flexibility
The days and times for work placement are agreed prior to the start of the FA. An initial introduction with be arranged by the FA Project Officer so the mentor, staff and student can meet and discuss key details.
Placement match
Where possible, we’ll match students with their placement provider so that their work experience is in an area of interest or an industry where they have ambitions to work.
Resources
Full breakdown of the Foundation Apprenticeship
Practical examples of placement activities
SCQF qualification levels explained
Progression pathways
Contact us
The team at NESCol are also on hand for any further questions: foundationapprenticeships@nescol.ac.uk
¹ Source: NESCol Student Satisfaction & Engagement Survey AY 2024/25