FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP IN CREATIVE AND DIGITAL MEDIA (ONE YEAR COURSE) AT LEVEL 6

Intro to the course:

Starting in S5  or S6 this one year Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and  Digital Media presents an opportunity for senior phase students to undertake industry specific qualifications and blend an academic qualification with work based learning. So, if you like the idea of combining creative thinking with technical skills, design and storytelling, then a career in creative and digital media may be the right career choice for you. The FA is delivered over two years and you will spend part of the week at College developing skills and knowledge across a range of topics and getting hands-on experience on placement with an employer.

A career in the creative industries section could include roles within interactive media, TV, radio, computer gaming, publishing, film, journalism, visual arts animation, photography and online media. Over 97000 people work in Scotland's creative industries and with such a wide variety of jobs to choose from, skilled people are always in demand. Developments in technology mean, as a new entrant to this sector, you must be multi-skilled and able to work over a variety of platforms.  With additional studying and qualifications, you could do roles such as broadcast journalist, TV or film producer, lighting technician, actor, fashion designer, graphic designer, photographer.

Who is the course for?

If you're staying on at school, you can apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship. You can use the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) link below to find out if this subject is available at your school. Then just fill out the form to let them know you're interested, and SDS will get back to you with more information.

Apprenticeships | Foundation Creative and Digital Media

What will I study?

• National Progression Award (NPA) in Creative and Digital Media Technologies
• Diploma in creative and digital media
• Work based learning with an employer

Next step course options

1. Modern Apprenticeship: A pupil completing the Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media will have achieved a large proportion of the requirements for a Modern Apprenticeship in Creative Media at SCQF level 7. 

• Further Education: All Scottish further education colleges recognise the Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media as an eligible qualification towards Higher National provision, alongside other qualifications. 
• Higher Education: Scottish universities recognise the Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media as an eligible qualification towards under-graduate degrees and graduate apprenticeship provision, alongside other qualifications. The experience gained through the framework looks excellent in UCAS applications to university.

How will I be assessed?

• Delivery and assessment of the relevant National Progression Award (NPA) occurs in first year of 2 year course, using secure SQA coursework and assessment materials. 
• The work-based learning element offers access to the workplace, either physically onsite or through remote working where real work activity will be aligned to the organisations objectives and will support the development of evidence for assessment against the outcomes.

Why should I choose this course?

You'll complete your Foundation Apprenticeship alongside your other school subjects. You'll spend time working on projects supported by the college as well as an employer. It'll give you an industry recognised qualification which will look great on your CV. Creative Digital Media (CDM) encompasses the range of creative roles where interactive media storytelling and commerce collide. The utilisation of creative digital content to enable either a product of another service such as marketing, advertising or information gathering, offers a vast array of job roles ranging from pure creative to more technical and data-driven responsibilities. More importantly, this growing sector needs people!

One third of tech companies cite talent shortages as an inhibiter to expansion and there are significant opportunities for young creative people whose interest in digital media extends beyond consuming content and into creating it and getting it out to audiences.

Where can this course lead?

Use your qualification and work experience to find a job in the creative industries. There’s a career for you in Scotland’s thriving creative industry – whatever your interests. 

It’s one of Scotland’s most diverse sectors, covering architecture, TV, radio, film, fashion and textiles, cultural heritage, design, journalism, publishing, music, visual arts, gaming and more. With additional studying and qualifications, you could do roles such as broadcast journalist, TV or film producer, lighting technician, actor, fashion designer, graphic designer, photographer

What are the entry requirements?

• Students must have gained one or more Nat 5’s  by the end of S4, to include English or Art & Design
• Students must be studying a minimum of 1 or more Highers in S5, to include English, Art & Design or Photography
• Students must be entering S5 and fully committed to studying a Foundation Apprenticeship over 2 years.
• Students must have an interest in developing greater awareness of the industry and a strong desire to work in the service.

What are the interview arrangements?

All applications should be submitted to your school.

Other information:

This course will run from August to June each year on a Tuesday and Thursday.  You will be required to complete some work at home.