Developing the Young Workforce: annual report 2014-15

Case Study - Apprenticeships

Understanding financial risk, bonds, premiums and derivatives is not how most fifth year pupils spend their week, but for Monisha Sandhu the chance to complete a Foundation Apprenticeship has unlocked a career in financial services she had never considered.

After hearing about Foundation Apprenticeships from her school’s guidance teacher Monisha, a fifth year pupil from Bishopbriggs in East Dunbartonshire, decided to enrol on a new Foundation Apprenticeship in financial services and is currently learning about the sector during weekly classes at City of Glasgow College and on weekly placements with the stockbroking arm of Barclays.

“As soon as my guidance teacher mentioned ‘financial services’ I instantly thought of maths and I thought ‘nope’. But it’s not really about maths, it’s much more interesting!”, Monisha explains. “My favourite part about going to college is the friends that I’ve made from different schools, which was a new and fun experience for me.

“I’m spending a lot of time with Barclays Stockbrokers in Glasgow city centre. On my first day I was so nervous – I was the youngest person on the course and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. But I love it – the staff treat us like adults and just another member of the team. I’m learning so much about life on the trading floor of a busy stockbroker, and I definitely want to pursue this as a career when I leave school”.

Monisha is completing the Foundation Apprenticeship as well as Highers and believes that the time she spends in college and in the workplace will give her a competitive advantage. Monisha added “I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity – the experience I’m getting at such a young age will be very advantageous when I apply for jobs in the future.”

Foundation Apprenticeships - background

Foundation Apprenticeships are being developed to create better links between young people, education and employers and to better prepare young people for the world of work.

A Foundation Apprenticeship lasts for two years and is studied alongside other school subjects (typically National 5s and Highers). Starting in fourth or fifth year, pupils get the opportunity to complete elements of a Modern Apprenticeship while still in full-time education. Upon successful completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship young people can continue their studies at college or university, go into direct employment or gain accelerated entry onto a related Modern Apprenticeship.

A number of employers have been engaged to deliver the work-based elements of the new programme. Participating employers benefit from working with enthusiastic, committed and highly motivated young people. They can also help to influence the skills pipeline in their local area and identify and attract the next generation of talent their business needs.

More information can be found at - www.apprenticeships.scot/foundation