Scientific Technologies
Andrew Gatton is an S6 student at Invergordon Academy and is on his second year of the Foundation Apprenticeship in Scientific Technologies. Andrew is currently on his second year placement at Lifescan where he attends every Friday in term time.
"I’m still looking at my options post school but just now I think I’d like to study Physics and I know that this experience will put me in a good position. Lifescan works closely with the education sector so there is a lot of good feedback and advice available to me as to how I can progress. I’ve learned new things while on placement, for instance I’m learning about elective chemistry which is a new experience."
A breakdown of the qualification and course content
A breakdown of the qualification and course content
What exactly is a Foundation Apprenticeship and what is it worth?
Foundation Apprenticeships consist of groups of qualifications which are comparible to a Higher and are very recognisable in industries. The main qualification in the award will usually be a National Progression Award or a National Certificate at .
In most of our Foundation Apprenticeships you will also complete some SVQ units while in your work placement. SVQs are a work based qualification which allows individuals to demonstrate their competency by providing written and other forms of evidence.
Depending on the course, you might complete work which could be considered as comparable to more than one Higher but this is normaly assessed on an individual basis by the university or college you apply to.
We explain this further in the progression section.
Course units
Course units
Scientific Technologies National Progression Award
| Units | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Safety | You will gain experience and practice in maintaining safety in a laboratory environment. It gives candidates knowledge of safety and security procedures and how these are applied to a specific laboratory. Common laboratory hazards are also categorised | |
| Mathematics for Science | The unit will give you the foundations of the Mathematics underpinning studies in all branches of science. The unit develops basic skills in calculation, algebra, graph reading and drawing. | |
| Fundamental Chemistry-An Introduction | This unit is designed to provide you with an introduction to the basic concepts of chemistry, both theoretical and practical. It will also provide the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to enable progression to further study of chemistry at Higher National level | |
|
You will enhance your practical skills in performing scientific experimental procedures and processing the results obtained. This will also provide the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to enable progression to further study of experimental procedures at HNC level |
SVQ units in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (Industrial Science)
| Units |
|---|
|
FY9W 04 Follow Health and Safety Procedures for Scientific or Technical Activities |
|
FY9W 04 Follow Health and Safety Procedures for Scientific or Technical Activities |
|
H00J 04 Prepare Compounds and Solutions for Scientific or Technical Use |
Progression routes
Progression routes
The Foundation Apprenticeships in Business Skills offers a number of paths following completeion.
There are opportunities to progress to an MA in Life Sciences
On successful completion you will be able to progress to the:
Science Highers Programme
or
Applying to other universities
Skills Development Scotland had been working closely with universities and colleges to understand the ways that the Foundation Apprenticeship Award is considered in their admissions policies.
We have included the most up to date guides from Skills Development Scotland
Employer links
Employer links
Foundation Apprenticeships are designed in consultation with industries who are relevant to the subject.
This consultation continues throughout the yearly delivery of our Foundation Apprenticeship courses.
This can take the form of:
Classroom talks from key individuals in companies who participate in Foundation Apprenticeship placements.
Opportunities to showcase learning to various employers.
Challenges and projects set for Foundation Apprenticeships by employers.
Classroom vists from Modern and Graduate apprentices.
Vists to employers.
All employers who agree to provide placements are also approved by us and the local authority to have school children on their premises and they work closely with the Developign the Young Workforce Team at Inverness College UHI to support and observe the young person in the work placement.
How to apply
How to apply
Applications for Foundation Apprenticeships open in January each year as part of our wider schools programme application process. Dates are directly communicated to schools, and are also available on our website. Applicants can apply on our schools section until the closing date.
You can discuss an application or potential application with your guidance teacher at any time and request further information from the our schools team.