Foundation Apprenticeships are the Scottish Government’s national agency, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) initiative, providing new, work-based learning opportunities for students in their 5th and 6th year of secondary education as one of their senior subject choices.
There are 12 Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) qualifications to choose from across different sectors and a wide variety of workplace industries. The FA qualifications are integrated into the school timetable and are the same level as a Scottish Higher (SCQF level 6).
Students will be released from school to work with local learning providers and employers in their chosen qualification sector.
Click through the photographs to see some of the different experiences and learning of the CALA Foundation Apprenticeships.
CALA are offering 14 placements to work towards a Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services: Children and Young People qualification with us. This opportunity is open to all students attending secondary schools in Inverness, Nairn, Grantown – on – Spey, Kingussie and Fortrose who are entering their 5th year in August 2026.
As an established training provider and employer with a proven track record in quality assurance, self-evaluation and improvement we will ensure our Foundation Apprenticeship students gain valuable, real work experience balanced with the theoretical and underpinning knowledge from an engaging, motivating and inspiring programme of experiences.
Year 1: Will focus on completing a National Progression Award in Social Services (Children and Young People). Through a blended approach including focused learning sessions at our Learning & Development centre and visits to CALA managed ELC settings to carry out observations and practical tasks putting learned theory and knowledge into practice.
Year 2: Students will be on placement working in CALA managed ELC settings in Inverness and Nairn. Students will be assessed in the workplace by our SQA qualified Assessors to gain an SVQ 2 in Social Services (Children and Young People).
Our FA placement is for those interested in pursuing a career working with Children & Young People, for example, teaching, social work, care sectors, nursing etc. This two-year qualification will provide valuable knowledge, skills and essential work experience in the industry enabling students to progress a career pathway whether through university/college, as a Modern Apprentice or into work with vocational study.
Students are required to have or be working towards, at least 4 National 5 qualifications including Literacy and to be capable of working at SCQF Level 6 (Higher Level. Special consideration may be given for particular circumstances where we have the capacity to meet the individual student’s needs.
To apply for our 2026-2028 programme – click here to download and application form.
Please return to [email protected]
Alternatively, if you would like to talk through your options, use the contact box below and a member of the FA team will respond.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.