Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare SCQF Level 6
What is special about this course?
Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Social Services and Healthcare involves caring for vulnerable people, to help them live in comfort and dignity. Supporting people when they need it most. That is what work in this rewarding and vital sector means.
You will have an opportunity to experience what working within the care sector is really like and discover the kind of jobs that you can do within the sector. You will shadow experienced staff and be involved in an industry related project. You will build the practical skills and experience you need to do the job well. Social services are a challenging and rewarding career providing support and help to people who need it, helping them to live full and valued lives in the community. Social service workers can work with a variety of clients:
• older people
• children or adults with physical /sensory and/or learning disabilities
• children or adults with autistic spectrum disorder/mental health problems
You will have an opportunity to experience what working within the care sector is really like and discover the kind of jobs that you can do within the sector. You will shadow experienced staff and be involved in an industry‐related project. You will build the practical skills and experience you need to do the job well.
Entry requirements
3 passes at National 5 level gained in S4/5 at C pass or above. (Ideally one should be a literary subject such as English, geography or psychology). You will need to demonstrate an understanding of the social services and healthcare sector and have an interest in working in this sector; demonstration of experience in this sector will be considered and each application will be considered on a case by case basis and have a satisfactory interview. You will be required to undergo a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check prior to placement. The college will assist you with this.
Whilst studying you will gain a National Progression Award (NPA) in Social Services and Healthcare whilst making links with a work placement provider. There may be the opportunity for a short work placement in year 1, this will be confirmed with your course leader.
You will put your industry‐based knowledge into practice in a work placement, enabling you to continue your learning out of the classroom. During this time, you will work towards your SVQ level 2 Social Services and Healthcare.
- National Progression Award in Social Services and Healthcare :
- Social Services in Scotland
- Safeguarding People
- Communication in Care Relationships
- Safe Practice and Wellbeing in Social Services
- Human Development and Social Influences
- Mandatory Units from the SVQ Level 2 in Social Services and Healthcare:
- Support Effective Communication
- Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals
- Develop your own knowledge and practice
- Support the safeguarding of individuals
How will I study my course?
- Part Time
- Work based
You will gain a National Progression Award (NPA) in Social Services and Healthcare whilst making links with a work placement provider. There may be the opportunity for a short work placement, this will be confirmed with your course leader.
You will put your industry‐based knowledge into practice in a work placement, enabling you to continue your learning out of the classroom. During this time, you will work towards your SVQ level 2 Social Services and Healthcare.
How long will my course last?
2 Years10 hours per week
How will I be assessed?
Unit assessments and reflection on practice
Where can I study my course?
- Lerwick Campus
- Work Based
Start date
August
Fees
For the latest information on fees please see our fees policy.
What can I do on completion of my course?
On completion of the Foundation Apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to move into employment in adult social services with an industry specific skill set and good knowledge of local employers' requirements.
You will also be able to work towards registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). In Scotland, over 203,000 people work in social services. The number of jobs is still growing, and there are great opportunities for progression, too.
Some specific qualifications available through the University of Highland and Islands that you could progress onto include:
- HNC Social Services
- BA (Hons) in Child and Youth Studies
- BA Social Sciences
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare SCQF Level 6
We are no longer accepting applications for 2024/25
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Shetland. UHI Shetland operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.