What are they?
Foundation apprenticeships are qualifications for young people starting their careers. They combine:
- practical work experience
- classroom learning
- skills in English, maths, and your chosen job area
Who are they for?
These are designed for 16–21-year-olds (or up to 24 if you have an EHCP, are a care leaver, or have been in prison) who:
- have little work experience
- want to explore different career options
What’s involved?
- You’ll have a real job and earn a salary
- Training is 80% classroom-based and 20% on-the-job
- They last 8 – 12 months
- If you’re 16 – 18 and don’t have Level 1 or 2 in English or Maths, you’ll study those too
Available apprenticeships
Foundation Apprenticeships are available in a range of areas, for example:
- Catering and hospitality
- Construction
- Digital and IT
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Health and social care
- Retail service, supply and administration
Find a foundation apprenticeship
The Amazing Apprenticeships website has lots of information about apprenticeships, including vacancies in your area.
The Devon and Cornwall Training Providers Network (DCTPN) are a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status that operates across Devon, Cornwall and the wider South West peninsula. They aim to promote the value of vocational and technical education, supporting people into work or further study, via education, training and skills.
Lots of information about different training opportunities – including apprenticeships – is available on their website: Devon & Cornwall Training Provider Network – Find Skills and Training Support.
Provider directory
DCPTN work with a diverse group of training providers, including six FE Colleges, three universities, and more than 30 independent training providers.
Their Which Way, Your Way provider directory (pages 28–93) lists all the training providers offering in Devon, including those offering foundation apprenticeships).
You can also use the GOV.UK apprenticeship search tool (just add your postcode)
After you finish
After you finish your apprenticeship you can:
- Move on to another apprenticeship
- Start working
- Keep studying