This course aims to provide a thorough training programme which reflects current up-to-date accounting and professional practice. This qualification is aimed at those who want to progress directly into the accounting industry or who wish to take accounting or finance courses at university.

The programme comprises of a number of core subjects. In the first year students will complete:

- Association of Accounting Technician Foundation (NVQ Level 2)

- Association of Accounting Technician Payroll Administration (NVQ Level2)

- Computerised Accounts Levels 1

In addition, students will cover personal effectiveness, teamwork, organising your studies, assertiveness and job applications.

In the second year, students progress to the advanced levels of these subjects (NVQ Level 3). This is a very intensive programme with a substantial homework requirement in order to achieve the large number of qualifications

The BTEC First Diploma in Business is a practical, work-related course. Students learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. It introduces learners to particular areas of employment and provides a good basis to go on to a more advanced work related qualification.

The course is made up of 6 units; 1 core unit provides a general foundation and 5 specialist units introduce learners to particular topics in more depth.

Plus Functional Skills in Maths and English

The BTEC Introductory Diploma in Business, Retail and Administration is a practical work related programme and is designed for the student to develop their personal skills and qualities. Students will learn by completing mini projects and small assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

The programme introduces learners to the opportunity to explore different business sectors and acquire the appropriate vocational skills for the area.

The BTEC Introductory Diploma in Business, Retail and Administration is equivalent to four GCSEs grades D - G.

The programme provides a balanced mix of core business subjects in theory and application. The programme is made up of 8 units;

Three core units provide a general foundation, two compulsory personal skills units and three specialist units that introduce learners to particular topics in more depth.

Core Modules

All students will take the three core units:

- Starting work in Business, Retail and Administration

- Working in Business, Retail and Administration

- Introducing Customer Service.

Addtional units

- Personal Effectiveness

- Financial management.

A Further three units will be required.

- Introduction to Administration

- Communication Effectively at Work

- Introduction to Retail.

Study support will be available to those identified

The course is designed to provide a work-ready qualification for those wishing to progress their career in the retail sector. Retail is the UK's largest private sector employer with over 3 million employees across its 297,000 retail businesses. In the UK, we have experienced rapid change in retailing over the last 30 years from the high street to out-of-town shopping, the emergence of a more sophisticated and demanding shopper and a general intensification of competition. We have seen the emergence of new retail formats (outlets) caused by changing customer needs, advances in technology and demographics. In summary, the ongoing situation provides opportunities for many retailers and their employees.

This is a new BTEC First course which has been developed to fit the new Qualifications and Credit framework (QCF). There are 9 units which give a combined total of 60 credits. Units include:

• Business Purposes
• Business Organisations
• Financial Forecasting for Business
• People in Organisations
• Consumer rights
• Promoting and Branding in Retail Business
• Visual Merchandising and Display Techniques in Retail Business
• Enterprise in the Workplace
• Training and Employment in Business

Functional skills in English and Maths are also included in the course as a compulsory element. This will allow you to gain a qualification in these subjects that is needed for progression onto Level 3 courses.

Real experience in retail outlets is a crucial part of the course. Therefore work experience within retail organisations will be scheduled into the course so that real retail experience can be gained and employability skills developed.

The programme consists of 18 units, which are all assessed by a programme of course work in order to build a portfolio of evidence on completion.

The course units include:

Exploring Business Activity; Investigating Business Resources; Introduction to Marketing; Effective People, Communication and Information; Induction to Accounting; Exploring Creative Product Promotion; Presenting Business Information; Business Online; Internet Marketing; Finance, Cash Flow and Insolvency; Managing Information.

The programme is suported by a practical session on running a small business

This course is for students who would like to study retail with the aim of progressing onto a Level 1 course, work based learning or employment. The programme aims to build self confidence and extend student' basic and social skills.

The course has been designed to be flexible. At the start of your course you will be interviewed by your Personal Tutor and recieve a personal learning plan. You will work in small groups and be expected to complete class work, and coursework to meet deadlines.

You will have the opportunity to take part in external visits undergo work experience and residentials.

You will study business, administration and retail, literacy/communications, numeracy, ICT, citizenship and personal development skills.

Functional skills requirement:

To prepare you for higher level courses or employment you will be required to achieve functional skills in Maths and English. These qualifications will be studied at the appropriate level for your personal development/progression needs

On this course you will study business, administration and finance for a wide range of services and products. Learners will gain an understanding of consumer trends, business administration and how new technologies and environmental issues can effect a business. You will learn how to put business ideas into practice; improve your organisational skills; manage your own finances; apply for and be interviewed for jobs; and develop team working skills.

The course units include:

Business Enterprise; Business Administration; Teams and Communication; Personal Finance and Financial Services; Sales and Customer Services in Business; Careers and Employment in Business.

Functional skills in English, Maths and ICT; personal learning and thinking skills; work related studies