Level 1 Business Skills

The course is suitable if you have no previous qualifications, little or no background in accounting and business skills or if you need to refresh these skills after a significant break in employment. It is also ideal if you are self-employed or running a business, to gain useful knowledge to understand and support the development of your enterprise. It is a good introduction to the world of business and finance in the workplace, where you can begin to develop relevant skills and a broad understanding of the business world alongside basic accounting techniques and principles.

This Level 1 qualification covers a range of skills and relevant supporting knowledge to help prepare you for working in a business environment and introducing you to the role of a bookkeeper: It will give you understanding of: *how different organisations operate *how to contribute effectively in the workplace *how businesses process sales and purchases, and the documents and procedures associated with this. *basic numerical skills needed in the workplace, such as decimals, percentages and fractions, and applying proportions and ratios. *basic financial transactions including processing of customer and supplier transactions, receipts and payments. *the benefits and risks of using accounting software to complete bookkeeping tasks.

The course will consist of live taught sessions (in person or online) focusing on different units that make up the qualification. At the end of the course, you will be assessed by two final computerised exams which cover the two topics you have learned: Business Skills and Bookkeeping. Exam fees are included in the course cost, but resit fees will be payable by you, except in the case of extenuating circumstances. To maximise success rates, exams will be scheduled by the tutor in negotiation with you.

You will be expected to complete a vocational initial assessment to make sure this is the right level course for you. Whilst there are no specific entry requirements, it is expected that you will be working, at least, to Entry 3 level in English and ideally Maths. English qualification certificates or an English and Maths assessment may be required to evidence this. Intermediate level digital skills will be required to complete this course. You can access a free essential digital skills course before or alongside this course. Access to a computer (Windows or Mac) outside of class time is essential for homework completion.

This course is the starting point onto industry-recognised, AAT accredited qualifications. As a student on any AAT course, you will be registered with the association and can access resources to help with your onward career planning. You can progress from this course onto AAT Level 2 Accountancy, Level 2 Bookkeeping or Level 2 in SAGE Computerised Accounts. Employment opportunities with this qualification could include: Cashier, Trainee Bookkeeper, Clerical Assistant or an apprenticeship. Leicester Adult Education are pleased to offer a free, impartial in-house careers service to support our learners to make decisions around their future career goals and choices. We have physical and digital resources available to support you and face to face careers appointments with our qualified and experienced adviser, all of which are easily accessed once enrolled.