Course may be subject to change.
This practical course will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in business, or progress to a higher level of study.You will have the opportunity to explore the key principles of business and retail, and will be encouraged to accept work placement opportunities to improve your commercial awareness and develop your skills in a real working environment.
Entry Criteria
You will hold a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 3 - ideally this will include maths and English.
Additional Costs
You will need to contribute £30 if you wish to take part in optional enrichment and extra curriculum activities, such as guest speakers, trips and visits.
What are the next steps?
You will meet with a course tutor for more information about the course and discuss which is the right course for you.
Study Aims
This course aims to provide learners with transferable skills, knowledge and understanding for employment within any business setting. You will have:
- An understanding of the essential skills required to work successfully in a business environment
- The skills required to solve problems in a business environment
- An understanding of business culture and responsibilities
- The ability to successfully communicate and work with others in a business environment
- The opportunity to develop the skills required to manage and improve their own performance in a business environment.
Modules Studied
You must complete a minimum of six units. The units you will study include the following:
- Business Culture and Responsibilities
- Deliver Customer Service in a Business Environment
- Produce Documents in a Business Environment
- Work with others in a Business Environment
- Communicate in a Business Environment
- Contribute to Running a Project.
Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught by qualified teaching staff who have experience of working in the business world, or have ran their own business. You will receive written and verbal feedback for all assignments and continuous assessment throughout the course, to ensure you work to the best of your ability. Your lessons will include guest speakers and visits to industry, and will aim to stretch and challenge your knowledge. Each unit typically consists of three or more assessments, to enhance your academic and work place skills, including:
- Professional discussions
- Reports
- Presentations
- Case studies
- Group work.
Industry Links
We have direct links to local and national businesses meaning you get to broaden your knowledge of the industry with guest speakers and visits to professionals. We encourage all students to take part in Enterprise Day - an opportunity for students to gain a wider understanding of enterprise and the world of work. They learn from other people’s experiences, asking questions and making new contacts.
Placement
You will be expected to attend a work placement for 37 hours. The work placement will directly link to employability sessions and enhance the knowlegde and skills needed to completed the course.
You could progress to a Level 3 Diploma in Business at New College Durham. Alternatively, you could gain employment/ self-employment in the business sector or we can support you in finding an apprenticeship in areas such as customer services, retail or business administration