Foundation Apprenticeships

Still at school? Foundation Apprenticeships are taken alongside other subjects like National 5's and Highers.

Completion leads to a qualification at the same level of learning as a Higher or SCQF Levels 4 and 5 and can lead to progression on to a job, such as a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship.

Foundation Apprenticeships are recognised as entry qualifications by all Scottish colleges and universities.

We are proud to deliver this qualification in conjunction with Aberdeenshire Council & Skills Development Scotland.

The Foundation Apprenticeship in Hospitality

SCQF Level 4/5

Discover the exciting world of hospitality and explore careers in hotel management, catering, events, tourism, food service, and customer experience. This engaging course combines hands-on practical learning with classroom-based knowledge to help students build confidence, teamwork, leadership, and customer service skills.

Students will also benefit from valuable work placement opportunities with local hospitality businesses, giving them real-world experience and the chance to put their new skills into practice in a professional environment.

Working alongside experienced industry professionals, students gain a genuine insight into what a career in hospitality is really like and the many opportunities available within this fast-moving and people-focused sector.

On completion, students can progress into further education, secure employment within hospitality, or continue their journey through a modern apprenticeship

This FA can be chosen from S4-S6 in the school subject choices. It is equivalent to a National 5 qualification.

The course is delivered by tutors with industry experience and fully qualified chefs

The course covers important areas such as:

  • Food preparation

  • Restaurant food and drink service

  • Health and Safety and Food Safety

  • Event management

  • It also helps build essential business skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, which are crucial across many industries.

Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Food and Drink Technologies SCQF Level 6

SCQF Level 6

The Foundation Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Technologies prepares students for a range of exciting roles within the food and beverage industry. It combines classroom learning with real-world work experience working with local employers.

By engaging with real-world work environments, students can decide whether this field aligns with their interests and career goals. Ultimately, the Foundation Apprenticeship provides a clear advantage in making well-informed career decisions and enhances employability in a rapidly growing and diverse sector.

Careers in the food and drink sector are as diverse as the food we eat! From food production, hospitality, logistics, sales, and management, there are opportunities for everyone. Did you know Scotland’s food and drink industry is expected to need around 20,000 new recruits in the coming years. Start your career journey today.

  • Food and drink science 

  • New product development 

  • Technology and manufacturing 

  • Nutrition 

  • Design and marketing

This FA can be chosen from S5-S6 in the school subject choices. It is equivalent to a Higher qualification.

The course is delivered by tutors with industry experience and placements take place within employers based in the Northeast of Scotland

It allows students to explore various careers and sectors:

  • Food manufacturing

  • Product development

  • Quality assurance

  • Supply chain management.

  • It also helps build essential business skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, which are crucial across many industries.

Foundation apprenticeship students

  • Young woman in chef's uniform plating a salad in a professional kitchen.
  • A young woman in a white shirt and black apron is garnishing a salad with a squeeze bottle in a professional kitchen.
  • A young woman in a chef's apron and white shirt is pouring ketchup onto a plate of food in a professional kitchen.
  • A waitress in a white shirt and black pants carrying two plates of food in a restaurant with wooden furniture and tables.
  • A young woman in a striped apron and white shirt makes cookies in a commercial kitchen, placing dough on a cooling rack with parchment paper, surrounded by baking ingredients and supplies.
  • A young woman with red hair and a black shirt is cooking or working in a commercial kitchen, stirring or preparing food in a large pot on a stove.
  • Two men in a kitchen preparing food; one man is slicing a yellow block of butter or similar ingredient on a cutting board, while the other is standing nearby observing. The kitchen has shelves with bowls, jars, and kitchen equipment, and a stainless steel countertop with various kitchen utensils and containers.
  • A woman standing by a table with neatly arranged silverware on plates and white napkins, preparing for a meal in a room with informational posters and papers on a white pegboard wall.
  • A group of people sitting around a table with red and white checkered tablecloth, enjoying a meal. A young woman is serving food to a man, and there are plates of food, drinks, and condiments on the table. The setting appears to be a cozy dining room with windows showing a view of the outdoors, and a wall clock above the window.
  • A person in a sweater with snowflake and reindeer patterns is serving food to customers at a cafeteria-style line, with plates of cooked vegetables and meat visible.