“I applied for the Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) at South Lanarkshire College as I wanted to gain an understanding of, and experience within the childcare industry. I was really keen to do the course as it gave me time in a college setting and the invaluable opportunity of a work placement.  I loved the fact that I could continue with my other important subjects at school at the same time as studying on the FA course”

Courtney Richardson was heading into S6 at Duncanrig Secondary when she decided to apply for the Social Services: Children and Young People Foundation Apprenticeship course at the College. Courtney had always wanted to become a Primary Teacher and was really excited when her school careers adviser told her there was a college course she could study while still at school.  Courtney was advised that the Foundation Apprenticeship course would be a great stepping-stone to her dream career.

Courtney was accepted onto the FA programme in August 2018 and became South Lanarkshire College’s first ever one-year Foundation Apprenticeship student.  This meant she studied a more intense programme than the two-year cohort.  Courtney’s one-year FA meant that she was in College two days a week for the first few months, before her timetable changed to one day in College and one day on placement per week.  She undertook her placement at East Milton primary in East Kilbride and spent one half day a week in the nursery and the other half day helping in the Primary 1 class.  

Courtney commented

“After completing my Foundation Apprenticeship in just one year, I felt I’d achieved so much. The college classroom and workplace experience gave me the confidence I needed to progress with my childcare ambition”.

Children and Young People Curriculum Manager Lynda McBain said: “Courtney has done so well, we are really proud of her achievements,  she was our first student to complete the FA course in one year which meant, she combined her college work, her school work, her childcare placement all whilst working part time in a salon.  We didn’t hesitate to offer her a place on the HNC Childhood Practice course”

When asked what advice Courtney would give to anyone considering applying for the Social Services: Children and Young People Foundation Apprenticeship course, Courtney said:

“If you’re heading into S5 or S6 in August of this year and you’re considering a career in childcare, then you should take the opportunity to apply for an FA and run with it.  You’ll be taught in a relaxed environment where the assignments and lecturers are fun, you’ll meet new friends from schools across Lanarkshire and you’ll develop your understanding of the what’s involved in a childcare role, which will help you decide the direction your career will take”

Courtney’s now in her final year here at South Lanarkshire College, she will complete her HND Childhood Practice in June of this year and has applied for year three entry to the BA Childhood Studies course at University of the West of Scotland.  Courtney hopes to embark on her PGDE in Primary Education on completion of her BA.

Well done Courtney what a shining example you are!