Starting S4 in August 2026

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This course will provide an introduction to practical bakery skills in craft baking, bread making, cake decoration, and pastry making.

You’ll learn from experienced lecturers with real industry expertise, gaining hands-on skills in a welcoming and supportive environment. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to take the next step - whether that’s further study, starting your career or sharing show-stopping bakes with friends and family.

Course Content

On this course you will be making a range of sweet and savoury baked goods, including bread, pastry, pies, cakes, gateaux and desserts.

Course Qualification

NPA Bakery - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Professional Cookery - SCQF level 5
• Professional Cookery - Modern Apprenticeship

Available to S4, S5, S6

This course is not available to pupils from the following schools: Alness Academy, Dornoch Academy, Golspie High School, Invergordon Academy and Tain Royal Academy.

Please view UHI North, West and Hebrides Schools Programme offering.

Course Summary

This course will provide you with the introductory skills to beauty and basic hairstyling. You will gain experience in cleansing the skin and applying makeup, as well as basic manicures including nail art. Additionally, you will learn to style hair with straighteners and tongs, and master various plaits.

Course Content

• Facial skin care and make-up
• Manicure and creative nail finishes
• An introduction to hairstyling

Course Qualification

NPA Beauty and Hairstyling - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Barbering - SVQ2
• Beauty - SVQ2
• Hairdressing - SVQ2
• Hairdressing - Modern Apprenticeship

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This one-year programme will give you a broad introduction to hairdressing. Experience the salon environment and learn about different roles and responsibilities in hairdressing.  You will also gain practical experience of general salon duties to support stylists and to assist with customer care. You will practice shampooing, conditioning and blow drying and explore the creative side of hairdressing.

Course Content

• Hairdressing: Salon Awareness
• Hairdressing: Working in the Salon
• Hairdressing: Employability Skills
• Hairdressing: Creativity

Course Qualification

Skills for Work Hairdressing - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Barbering SVQ2 - SCQF Level 5
• Hairdressing SVQ 2 - SCQF Level 5
• Beauty Therapy SVQ2 - SCQF Level 5
• Hairdressing - Modern Apprenticeship

Available to S4, S5, S6

This course is not available to pupils from the following schools: Alness Academy, Dornoch Academy, Golspie High School, Invergordon Academy and Tain Royal Academy.

Please view UHI North, West and Hebrides Schools Programme offering.

Course Summary

This course will provide an introduction on how to prepare, cook and serve food. You will be shown a variety of skills for sweet and savoury dishes including how to grate, slice, dice, chop, and peel.

You’ll learn from experienced lecturers who’ve worked across the industry and bring real-world knowledge straight into the kitchen. By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence and foundation you need to begin your path in professional cookery.

Course Content

• Use of professional kitchen equipment
• Food prep skills: Grating, slicing, dicing, chopping and peeling.
• Planning your time and cooking as part of a team
• Professional hygiene standards

Course Qualification

NPA Professional Cookery - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Professional Cookery - SCQF level 5
• Professional Cookery - Modern Apprenticeship

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

The course is suitable for anyone with an interest in the complex nature of crime and in the way the criminal justice system operates. The course covers areas such as crime in the community and crime scenes. Students will work independently and as part of a team when researching approaches to crime and justice and will develop their communication, time management and team working skills which are invaluable in any workplace setting.

Course Content

• Criminology: Crime in the Community
• Criminology: Crime Scenes
• The History and Development of Criminology

Course Qualification

• NPA Criminology - SCQF level 5

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Social Science - SCQF level 6

Available to S4, S5, S6

This course is not available to pupils from the following schools: Alness Academy, Dornoch Academy, Golspie High School, Invergordon Academy and Tain Royal Academy.

Please view UHI North, West and Hebrides Schools Programme offering.

Course Summary

This course is your gateway to working with children and supporting their development during the most important years of life. You’ll explore the key roles and responsibilities of childcare practitioners and gain the knowledge and confidence to begin your journey in this rewarding sector.

Course Content

• Child development
• Play in early education & childcare
• Working in early education & childcare
• Contemporary families

Course Qualification

Skills for Work Early Education and Childcare - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Pathways to Care, Health and Society - SCQF Level 5

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

Health and social care is a broad field covering healthcare, social work, mental health, and community support. This introductory course will provide you a clear overview of the diverse roles and responsibilities across the sector and deepen your understanding of how different services work together.

Course Content

• An Introduction to Health and Social Care
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Health Awareness
• Working Safely
• Life Science Industry

Course Qualification

Skills for Work Health and Social Care - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Pathways to Care, Health and Society - SCQF level 5

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

Discover the vital roles of Uniformed and Emergency Services Explore and how they keep our communities safe and secure. This course introduces you to careers in Uniformed Services: Merchant Navy, Army, Prison Service, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Royal Marines. You'll also explore the Emergency Services: Ambulance, Coastguard, Police, and Fire & Rescue. Learn what each service does; their responsibilities, and how you could be part of these essential teams making a real difference every day.

Course Content

• Uniformed and Emergency Services: An Introduction
• Uniformed and Emergency Services: Health, Safety, Fitness and Well-being
• Uniformed and Emergency Services: Engaging with the Community
• Uniformed and Emergency Services: Working in Teams

Course Qualification

Skills for Work Uniformed and Emergency Services - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Sport and Fitness - SCQF level 5

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

With the increasing demand for skilled cyber and IT professionals, this course provides an essential foundation in hardware, software, networking and security. You will gain hands-on experience installing and maintaining computer systems, building small networks and exploring how data is protected in real-world environments.

The cyber security units delivered through the TryHackMe sandbox, giving you the opportunity to work through realistic cyber-attack and defence scenarios in a safe, controlled environment. By completing this course, you’ll develop the technical confidence needed to progress into further study or entry-level roles in IT support, networking or cyber security.

Course Content

• Computer Networks - Install and maintain computer hardware
• Computer Networks - Install and maintain computer software
• Computer Networks - Computer networking fundamentals
• Cyber Security - Data security
• Cyber Security - Digital forensics
• Cyber Security - Ethical hacking

Course Qualification

UHI Inverness College Certificate

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Computing with Esports - NQ Level 5 SCQF Level 5
• Computing with Cyber Security - SCQF Level 6

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

The Esports industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, offering exciting opportunities in gaming, events, media and technology. This course introduces you to the core skills needed to take your first steps into this dynamic field. You will learn how to work as part of a team, communicate effectively and understand the key roles that make competitive gaming possible. 

Throughout the course, you’ll develop practical experience by exploring game performance, analysing player roles and helping to plan and support small-scale esports activities. These hands-on tasks build confidence, promote digital awareness and mirror the types of teamwork and problem-solving valued across the wider computing and creative industries. If you’re enthusiastic about gaming, curious about how esports events operate, or keen to develop your digital and teamwork skills, this course provides the perfect introduction. 

Course Content

• Game Performance
• Organising and promoting events
• The Esports Industry

Course Qualification

NPA Esports - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Computing with Esports - NQ level 5 SCQF level 5

Available to S4, S5, S6

This course is not available to pupils from the following schools: Drummond School, Kingussie High School, St Duthus and St Clements

Please view UHI North, West and Hebrides Schools Programme offering.

Course Summary

If you like working outside with your hands and enjoy nature and all it has to offer, then this is the course for you. You will learn valuable practical skills preparing you for a wide range of employment opportunities available in the rural communities. You will learn about plants, trees and wildlife whilst finding out about the broad range of industries that you can choose to train up for and earn a living from.

Course Content

• Estate Maintenance
• Land-based industries
• Employability skills for land-based industries
• Crop production
• Soft landscaping

Course Qualification

Skills for Work - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Introduction to the Woodland Environment - SCQF level 4

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This course is designed for pupils who receive additional support in school to provide an introduction to college life. It allows pupils to sample a range of activities from Supported Education curriculum and to make an informed choice about college as a post school option. Pupils with high levels of support will require PSA from their school to attend alongside them.

You should choose this course to sample college life, to develop confidence in another setting and to study with pupils from other schools.

Course Content

• Transition to Further Education
• Learning in a New Environment
• Exploring a Local Area
• Participating in Group Activities and Project 

Course Qualification

SCQF level 1 & 2

Available to S4, S5, S6

This course is not available to pupils from the following schools: Alness Academy, Dingwall Academy, Invergordon Academy and Tain Royal Academy.

Please view UHI North, West and Hebrides Schools Programme offering.

Course Summary

This Foundation Apprenticeship gives you a real insight into the construction industry and the skills needed for a future career. You’ll try a range of construction crafts such as carpentry and joinery, painting and decorating, brickwork, and plumbing, while also learning technical elements like interpreting drawings, planning projects, and understanding materials and processes.

Course Content

• Practical experience in carpentry, joinery, painting and decorating, brickwork, and plumbing
• Technical skills: interpreting drawings, planning, and material selection
• Health and safety awareness and sustainable practices
• Work-based challenge project

Course Qualification

Foundation Apprenticeship Construction level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Craft
• Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Technical

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This Foundation Apprenticeship introduces pupils to skills needed for a career in construction. You'll learn a broad range of hands-on, practical skills and gain an understanding what is required within a trade or technician background to enable you to decide if a career in construction could be for you.

Course Content

• Practical experience in carpentry, joinery, painting and decorating, brickwork, and plumbing
• Technical skills: interpreting drawings, planning, and material selection
• Health and safety awareness and sustainable practices, Work-based challenge project

Course Qualification

Foundation Apprenticeship Construction level 5

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Craft
• Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Technical

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This course introduces you to the furniture, design and joinery industry with a strong focus on practical construction techniques. You’ll develop technical skills in design, calculations and workshop practice while working on projects that combine theory with hands-on experience.

If you enjoy practical work and want to learn how furniture is designed and built, this course is a great choice. You’ll gain technical skills, creative experience and confidence using industry-standard tools.

Course Content

• Workshop Practice
• Drawing: An Introduction
• Furniture: Timber Frame
• Furniture: Carcase Making 
• Material Costing
• Polishing / Veneering

Course Qualification

NPA Furniture Making - SCQF level 5

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Modern Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This course provides a basis for progression into further education or for moving directly into training or employment in the motor vehicle engineering sector by developing the necessary generic and practical skills, knowledge and understanding and employability skills.

You will focus on the broad areas of automotive engineering, including mechanical, fabrication, electrical, electronic, maintenance, hybrid, and on an element of design and manufacture.

Course Content

• Automotive Skills: The Garage – You will learn about the retail automotive industry and the range of jobs and responsibilities within it. You will also be introduced to health and safety in vehicle service and repair workshops.
• Automotive Skills: The Technician – You will learn the names, functions and serviceability of automotive components, and how to work safely in an automotive engineering environment. There will also be opportunities to learn how to use a range of common hand tools as well as more specialised equipment, such as the torque wrench and trolley jack.
• Automotive Skills: The Car – For this unit you will learn basic safety checks, wheel changing and valeting, as carried out by technicians in the industry. You will gain experience of removing and refitting vehicle service items.
• Automotive Skills: The Vehicle Modification Project – In this project, you will apply all the skills you have learnt on the course, as well as solving the kind of problems facing an automotive technician.

Course Qualification

Skills for Work Motor Vehicle - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Motor Vehicle - IMI Diploma Level 1 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair SCQF Level 4

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This course introduces you to essential engineering skills in fabrication, welding, and thermal cutting. You’ll learn to work safely and efficiently using technical information and industry-standard methods, while developing valuable employability skills. Completing this SVQ1 is a great first step toward a career in engineering or further study.

Course Content

You will work on a series of small projects to develop your building engineering skills, including:  

• Designing of the projects using drawings and sketches
• Planning the projects including material, size, shape and technical skills or ability required
• Preparing by template making, checking for defects, cleaning the material and marking out
• Cutting by hand tools and mechanical or thermal methods
• Forming and shaping with a variety of tools and equipment
• Joining involving welding and mechanical techniques

Course Qualification

SVQ in Performing Engineering Operations - SCQF level 4

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• Welding and Fabrication SVQ2 - SCQF Level 5

Available to S4, S5, S6

Course Summary

This course is designed as a hands-on introduction to renewable energy, aimed at senior phase pupils who want practical skills and a clear pathway into green careers.  Unlike traditional construction courses, it combines plumbing and electrical installation skills with an understanding of sustainable technologies such as heat pumps and solar thermal systems.

What makes it unique is its pre-apprenticeship focus, giving learners the confidence and competence to progress into apprenticeships, further study, or entry-level roles in the energy sector.  The programme reflects Scotland’s commitment to net zero, ensuring learners gain skills that are in high demand as the industry evolves.

Students will benefit from real-world learning in college workshops, supported by staff with industry experience.  

Course Content

• Practical introduction to sustainable technologies such as heat pumps and solar thermal systems.
• Combines plumbing, electrical installation, and mechanical fundamentals for a well-rounded skill set.
• Designed to prepare learners for apprenticeships, further study, or entry-level roles in the energy sector.
• Delivered in college workshops with real-world tasks and problem-solving activities.
• Developed in response to employer demand and Scotland’s net zero targets.
• Promotes awareness of sustainability and the role of renewable energy in modern society.

Course Qualification

National 5 Skills for Work Energy (SCQF Level 5)

Progression

On completion of this course you may progress onto:

• NC Engineering Practice