FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP IN FINANCIAL SERVICES

Intro to the course:

This 2 year course is for pupils in S5 it gives students the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge to enter a career in Financial Services.  The financial services sector remains one of the most important industries in Scotland and the rest of the UK. In 2020, Scotland-based financial and related professional services employed 145,000 people across the nation and generated £13.9bn of local economic output. The UK is widely recognised as a global leader in financial services. Scotland’s vibrant financial sector is an important contributor to this strong economic position, and also benefits from its global reputation. 

Scotland is internationally recognised as the most important UK financial centre outside London and the Southeast, with a breadth of services including global custody, asset servicing, banking, investment management, corporate finance, general/ life assurance and pensions. Recent announcements of expansion and investment plans by financial services companies have buoyed prospects for the future, for example Tesco Banking, Barclays, Virgin Money and HSBC all plan to create new jobs in Scotland.

Who is the course for?

If you're staying on at school, you can apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship. You can use the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) link below to find out if this subject is available at your school. Then just fill out the form to let them know you're interested, and SDS will get back to you with more information.

https://www.apprenticeships.scot/browse-frameworks/foundation-apprenticeships

What will I study?

• NPA in Financial services at SCQF level 6
• 3 mandatory units from SVQ level 3 in providing financial service
• Work based learning with employer

Next step course options

Modern Apprenticeship: A pupil completing the Foundation Apprenticeship in Financial Services will have achieved a large proportion of the requirements for a Modern Apprenticeship in Financial Services at SCQF level 7. 

Further Education: All Scottish further education colleges recognise the Foundation Apprenticeship in Financial Services as an eligible qualification towards Higher National provision, alongside other qualifications. 

Higher Education: Scottish universities recognise the Foundation Apprenticeship in  Financial Services as an eligible qualification towards under-graduate degrees and graduate apprenticeship provision, alongside other qualifications. The experience gained through the framework looks excellent in UCAS applications to university.

How will I be assessed?

• Delivery and assessment of the relevant National Progression Award (NPA) occurs in first year of 2 year course, using secure SQA coursework and assessment materials. 
• The work-based learning element offers access to the workplace, either physically onsite or through remote working where real work activity will be aligned to the organisations objectives and will support the development of evidence for assessment against the outcomes.

Why should I choose this course?

You'll complete your Foundation Apprenticeship alongside your other school subjects. You'll spend time working on projects supported by the college as well as an employer. It'll give you an industry recognised qualification which will look great on your CV. Creative Digital Media (CDM) encompasses the range of creative roles where interactive media storytelling and commerce collide. The utilisation of creative digital content to enable either a product of another service such as marketing, advertising or information gathering, offers a vast array of job roles ranging from pure creative to more technical and data-driven responsibilities. More importantly, this growing sector needs people!

One third of tech companies cite talent shortages as an inhibiter to expansion and there are significant opportunities for young creative people whose interest in digital media extends beyond consuming content and into creating it and getting it out to audiences.

Where can this course lead?

NA

What are the entry requirements?

• Students must have gained one or more Nat 5’s by the end of S4,  to include English, Maths (or Application of Maths), Business or Accounting .

• Students must be studying a minimum of one or more Highers in S5, to include English, Economics, Maths (or Application of Maths) or Accounting 

• Students must have an interest in developing greater awareness of the industry and a strong desire to work in the sector

What are the interview arrangements?

All applications should be submitted to your school.

Fees, finance and funding:

Fees and finances for part time:

Find out more about Individual Training Accounts (ITA): https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/sds-individual-training-accounts-ita

Find out more about Part-Time Fee Grants (PFGs): https://www.saas.gov.uk/part-time

Other information:

Course attendance pattern:

Year 1: NPA: Tuesday/Thursday 1.30 pm - 4.00 pm 

Year 2:  Tuesday 1.30 pm - 4.00 pm, 9.30am – 4.00pm Thursday. 

This course will run from August to June each year, and you will be required to complete some work at home.