20 March 2020

Aberdeenshire continues to lead the way in Foundation Apprenticeships

Aberdeenshire continues to be a lead provider of Foundation Apprentices in schools following a significant uptake over the last two years, members of the council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee heard.

Aberdeenshire Council bid for 134 foundation apprentices when courses in schools were launched in June 2019. However, given the high demand a contract for 208 apprentices was awarded by Skills Development Scotland across 11 schools running eight courses designed to help young people find employment or progress into further or higher education when they complete secondary school.

Foundation Apprenticeships are also delivered in Aberdeenshire schools by North East Scotland College (NESCOL) and this year has seen 100 more apprenticeships being delivered by NESCOL.

The council has developed partnerships with Bon Accord Care, Dundee & Angus College, Quest Scotland, SHMU and Tullos Training to successfully deliver Foundation Apprenticeships.

Cllr Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chair, said: “I am delighted with the high numbers of Foundation Apprenticeships that are being offered to young people in Aberdeenshire. They play an invaluable role in equipping them for the world of work so that they can become the accountants, entrepreneurs, engineers, doctors, nurses and social workers of the future.”

Committee vice chair Cllr Rosemary Bruce added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about the innovative approaches taken by Aberdeenshire Council to deliver Foundation Apprentices as well as the collaborative work we have undertaken with a variety of partners mentioned in this report.”

Aberdeenshire Council has secured a contract with Skills Development Scotland to deliver a further 350 Foundation Apprentices in our schools from the summer. 

Committee members discussed the progress made with the development of Foundation Apprenticeships; agreed performance measurements and approved plans to increase numbers of apprenticeships across the region by meeting with employers and they advised on ways to engage with employers.

The full report is available by visiting: https://committees.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/committees.aspx?commid=494&meetid=19407

A selection of videos featuring Foundation Apprentices and the council’s approach to Developing the Young Workforce is available to view by visiting: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO9F6fCTToNOJ3-EMq2b7qCYcDzhYAQlr