Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Business (NCFE)

Your studies will include formal lectures alongside carrying out research and taking part in visits. In addition industry speakers help to provide insight into the modern business world. You will learn to work with others in team activities including visits. Businesses we have worked with include: Tesco, QHM, Cadbury, Unilever, Dudson Ltd, Alton Towers, NatWest, Stoke on Trent College departments, Grensons Solicitors, Plink Fizz, Unity, Disneyland, Heights of Abraham, Drayton Manor, Hanley Economic Building Society, UNIQ, Morrisons and Staffordshire University. Visits/residentials that have been offered include, Alton Towers, Cadbury World, BBC Television Centre, Bank of England, London Eye, London Dungeon, Madam Tussauds, West end Theatres, Disneyland Paris, University college Birmingham, Staffordshire University, Manchester Arndale Centre, Trafford centre, The Clothes Show, Nottingham City Centre, Derby Westfields Centre, High Ash Farm, Chester City centre, Liverpool Docks, Birmingham Bullring, Morrisons distribution centre and Local Banks. There are also some hours of 'directed study' where you work at your own pace but with the guidance of a member of staff.

The knowledge, understanding and skills learnt in studying the NCFE Level 2 Diploma in Business will help your progression to further study and prepare you to enter the workplace in due course. If you are thinking about a career as an assistant in business administration, retail, marketing, finance, human resources, sales and customer service, then this is the qualification for you. NCFEs are vocationally related qualifications, where you will develop knowledge and understanding by applying your learning and skills in a work-related context. During the course you will take responsibility for your own learning and develop skills that are essential for the modern-day workplace. These skills include: team working; working from a prescribed brief; working to deadlines; presenting information effectively; and accurately completing administrative tasks and processes. Units you will study include four core units: Business Purposes, Business Organisations, Financial Forecasting for Business, People in organisations. In addition you will complete a further 5 units covering the areas of customer service, business trading online, business planning, marketing and accounting.

Most of the units are assignment based and you can work towards a Pass, Merit or Distinction. There are also a small number of externally examined units.

4 GCSEs grade D or above, BTEC Introductory Certificate or Diploma, appropriate NVQ Level 1, or another relevant Level 1 or Foundation qualification. You will have a preinduction interview/assessment to make sure this is the right level for you.

A First Diploma in Business will provide background knowledge and specific skills related to Business, Retail and Administration.

The qualification and skills acquired during this study programme can be used within the modern business world or in the wider job market. You could progress onto a range of related Level 3 programmes.