Civil Engineering
There is a growing demand for Civil Engineers in Scotland
Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering at SCQF Level 6
This course is being delivered by a partnership between:
WDC Working4U
Theory Delivery Partner
Local Employer
The course can be either be delivered over one or two years.
One Year Model
The "Short Duration Delivery Model" means it can be completed in 1 school year over 4 afternoon (Tues, Wed,Thurs & Fri) .
Since the course can be completed within 1 school year, it is available to students in S5 or S6.
Two Year Model
The two year delivery model means that the course is delivered over 2 academic years. The first year will concentrate on the delivery of the National Progression Award, which is classroom based. The second year will be working toward the SVQ modules within workplace placement provider.
As this course is over two years, it is available to only pupils in 5th year.
Course outline
The Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering requires Pupils the opportunity to develop the skills required by modern professional Civil Engineering Technicians and provides an insight to the many career options available. They will study the principles and practices utilised by engineers and consultancy teams working in the field of renewable energy, roads and bridges, flood alleviation, commercial buildings, marine works and environmental protection through an NC in Civil Engineering at SCQF Level 6 and SVQ Construction Technical at SCQF Level 6. The total SCQF credit points achieved for the framework is 84.
Entry requirements
It would be great if you are working towards or have a National 5 English, Maths and Physics, as well as be able to work towards Higher qualifications. However we are also happy to consider your application dependant on individual circumstances.
Location - In a West Dunbartonshire High School
What is Civil Engineering?
Civil Engineers build and shape the world. It’s everything you see around us – from the roads and railways, to the schools, offices, hospitals and water supply.
Civil engineering covers a huge range of jobs, like:
Civil engineer
Civil engineering technician
Quantity surveyor
Town planner
Structural engineer
Construction manager
Land surveyor
The industry’s workforce is ageing and there is a demand for new, young engineers to fill the skills gap.
If you’re a practical thinker and a problem-solver with a knack for science and maths, this could be the career for you.
What's the qualification?
You’ll gain a Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering, which is the same level of learning as an SQA Higher (SCQF level 6).
This includes:
A National Certificate (NC) in Civil Engineering at SCQF level 6
A minimum of one core SVQ unit from Site Technical Support or Built Environment Design at SCQF level 6
Registration with the Institution of Civil Engineering/professional institution
Work placement experience
As part of your Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll achieve parts of the Civil Engineering Modern Apprenticeship in either contracting or consultancy.
What will I learn?
As part of your National Certificate, your mandatory topics will include:
Civil Engineering Materials
Civil Engineering Project
Computer Aided Drafting: An Introduction
Construction Site Surveying: An Introduction
Health and Safety in the Construction Industry
Mechanics for Construction: An Introduction
Construction Engineering Mathematics
Your SVQ will be assessed as part of your work placement. You’ll achieve one of the following:
Develop and maintain working relationships and personal development in construction
Maintain professional relationships and practice in built environmental design
Your Foundation Apprenticeship will also help you to develop core skills valued by employers, particularly:
Communication
Problem solving
Working with others
Time management
These transferable skills are necessary and highly desirable for working in a range of other related jobs.
Where could it take me?
Your Foundation Apprenticeship gives you lots of options: it’s up to you where you go next.
A Modern Apprenticeship: On completing your Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll have already achieved core units of the Modern Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering. You could then progress onto a Technical or Professional Apprenticeship.
Further Education: Continue your studies at college, with an HNC or HND in an engineering related subject. Your workplace experience will support your college application.
University: Foundation Apprenticeships are recognised as equivalent to SQA Highers by all Scottish universities. You’ll already have quality experience in the industry – this will make your UCAS stand out from the crowd.
Straight to a job: Use your qualification and work experience to find a job in civil engineering or construction.
Days & Times
1 Year Model
W/F in Class & T/Th in Placement
2 Year Model
Class contact in Year 1
This time is split between study with a training provider and a work placement with an employer,
The work placement element will be negotiated on a one-to-one basis with each student and, where it suits the student's timetable, a whole day placement may be organised rather than two afternoons.
What other people say
Connor McGinley is doing his Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering with West Dunbartonshire Council Working4U. Connor stated “Because it is half days, the load isn’t heavy which means juggling other subjects isn’t hard at all. I’ve actually done better in maths because of the maths in my FA as well.”
Connor Drake is doing his Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering with West Dunbartonshire Council Working4U. Connor stated “ The Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering has furthered my education and I feel I have grown within this role. The course has gave me a better understanding of Civil Engineering and has furthered my experience of learning. I believe it will make it easier for future learning in different environments.”
Darren Graham is doing his Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering with West Dunbartonshire Council Working4U. Darren stated “ The Foundation Apprenticeship has shown me what the work environment is really like and has further expanded my knowledge of Civil Engineering. It has also helped me gain new relationships in and out of the work place”
Views from a range of Civil Engineering FA students in Inverness
Tafara's Civil Engineering placement with McTaggart Construction in Glasgow