Do I need to apply?
Yes.
For all college courses you are required to submit an application. These normally open around February for the following academic year.
Am I guaranteed a place if I apply?
No you are not guaranteed a place. Like all courses at college there are limited places. Sometimes you may be placed on a waiting list if a course is full, however, there may be some occasions when your application is unsuccessful. It is therefore important to have back up plans for this eventuality.
What if I am not enjoying a course?
These courses are part of your school curriculum and the expectation is that you complete the course the same as you would with any of your in school subjects.
What about transport to College?
If a pupil has to travel to college or a host school to complete a course then transport is provided free of charge as this is part of a young persons curriculum.
As part of Foundation Apprenticeships there is a work placement element to the course. Depending on the location of the work placement then on some occasions pupils may be required to make their own transport arrangements.
What is an NPA?
National Progression Awards (NPAs) are designed to help people reach their goals. NPAs assess a defined set of skills and knowledge in specialist vocational areas, linked to National Occupational Standards and are available in a variety of sectors, such as Construction and Childcare to new areas such as Digital Literacy and Social Software. NPAs are at SCQF Levels 2-6 and are successfully delivered in partnership between schools, colleges and employers. Although many schools get involved, they’re mainly used by colleges for short study programmes, such as return-to-work courses or part-time learning for those already in work.
What is an NC?
National Certificates are designed to prepare people for employment, career development or progression to more advanced study at HNC/HND level. They also aim to develop a range of transferable knowledge including Core Skills. These certificates are aimed at 16-18 year olds or adults in full-time education and are at SCQF Levels 2-6.
What are HNCs and HNDs?
HNCs and HNDs are designed to meet the needs of employers and are developed in partnership with colleges, universities and industry. There are HNC and HND courses in a huge range of subjects.
HNC and HND courses provide both the practical skills you need to do a job and the theory which underpins it. All the courses are made up of Higher National Units.
- HNCs are made up of 96 SCQF credit points and usually take one year to complete.
- HNDs are made up of 240 SCQF credit points and usually take two years to complete.
- Some HNCs allow direct entry into the second year of a degree programme, and some HNDs allow direct entry to third year. Many professional bodies in the UK recognise the quality and value of an SQA HND qualification