Foundation Apprenticeship Spotlight - Gracie Forrester
A Foundation Apprenticeship can set you up for a big future
Scotland has industries with big opportunities. A Foundation Apprenticeship gives senior phase pupils an inside view of thriving sectors like science, engineering and technology. Foundation Apprenticeships mix a recognised qualification with valuable experience in industries where there’s a rising demand for a skilled workforce.
At UHI Perth, we work closely with all Senior Secondary schools in Perth and Kinross to respond to local and national employment opportunities through both vocational and academic paths. Each year, between 400 and 500 young people take a School/College Partnership as part of their school timetable. The partnership allows pupils a greater choice in a variety of subject areas, to develop practical, vocational and academic skills.
In this week’s blog, we meet a student who has just finished their FA.
Can you introduce yourself?
Gracie Forrester and I'm from Murthly, just north of Perth.
What school did you attend?
I have just finished sixth year at Bertha Park High School.
You have been studying a Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare through the School/College Partnership at UHI Perth. How did you hear about this course and why did you choose it?
I was looking for a part-time college course with my careers advisor and we found the Foundation Apprenticeship.
How have you found the transition between school and college? Was it different to what you expected
Before I started college, I was so nervous. I came in to meet Kim and look around before I started with my Career Advisor. I have really enjoyed being out of school two days a week. College has been really different to how I expected it to be, but I have enjoyed it so much.
What has been your favourite thing about the course?
My favourite thing about the course has definitely been my placement at the Blairgowrie Cottage Hospital.
Were the UHI lecturers supportive? Did their style of teaching feel different from what you were used to at school?
The teaching style is different to school, but I much prefer it. My lecturers have been very supportive. It’s a much more relaxed environment and I like how we learn a unit then do an assessment instead of a big exam at the end.
Have you enjoyed the course overall?
I have absolutely loved my Foundation Apprenticeship.
Have you learnt anything about yourself whilst being at college? Has your confidence improved?
I am a lot more resilient than I thought. My confidence has improved so much, and I have achieved things I never thought I could.
Did you make friends from other schools?
Yes. I have enjoyed building relationships with girls from other schools who I had never met before starting college.
What are you going on to do after you complete this course?
Doing my FA has given me the confidence to continue at college to do the HNC.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth through the school/college partnership?
I would encourage anyone thinking about doing a School/College Partnership course to do it. It’s the best thing that’s happened to me - helping me decide my future career path and build my confidence.
