Work-based learning opening up career pathways to more pupils

At SDS we believe that work-based learning is one of the keys to unlocking a more productive, resilient and innovative economy.

And it’s a belief founded in research and examples from across the globe.

The pace of change in society, the world-of-work and technology means that being able to learn new skills and constantly adapt will be crucial to thriving in an ever-changing future.

In this context, SDS is working with SQA, local authorities, employers and schools on pilot projects to widen access and engagement in work-based learning pathways and apprenticeships.

Following the ambitious expansion of Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships, SDS is working with partners to scale up an innovative new offer for school pupils linked to the critical skills needs of employers.

Foundation Apprenticeships at SCQF Levels 4 and 5 see learners in S3 and the senior phase working to design, develop and deliver a project with input from a local employer.

The latest pilot projects are in construction, hospitality and automotive.

Construction pilots are making work-based learning opportunities more accessible to young people in deprived areas; for example, delivering projects that support regeneration initiatives such as in Sighthill and Springburn.

This rich experiential learning, hand-in-hand with local employers, is providing a much more effective pathway than some employability programmes and so-called pre-apprenticeship schemes.

The projects vary but the key elements are work-based learning and accredited qualifications.

For pupils there is a clear potential pathway to work-based learning qualifications, such as Foundation, Modern or Graduate Apprenticeships.

Along the way, they get to develop the critical human or meta skills such as teamworking, communication and problem solving.

While employers get to make a structured contribution to school learning by providing the real-life work-based situations.

Schools, colleges and employers from across Highlands and Islands, Glasgow, Dundee, North Lanarkshire and Western Isles have led delivery over the past year.

Partners include Stirling High School, Arbroath High School, Bellshill Academy, Dunoon Grammar, Nairn Academy, Glasgow Gaelic School and The Nicholson Institute in the Western Isles.

Employers participating in the current phase include Historic Environment Scotland, Morrison Construction, Bentley Hotel and Arnold Clark.

Already, there’s great encouragement to be taken by the progress that the pupils have made and also by the positive reaction of the parents, school and employers. 

SDS is committed to working with SQA and partners to ensure more and more young people can benefit from the opportunities provided by work-based learning that bring education and employers closer together.