Course Code: TM1FE062 Skills for Business (Enterprise and Customer Service) - Level 3 Next course dates Start dateLocationDuration 02 Sep 2024 Bispham Campus 1 Year Apply now Overview Is this course for me? What will I learn? Key information Where could this course take me? Course SummaryAt Blackpool and The Fylde College, you don't just learn about business, you'll build one. On this two-year, fully immersive course you will learn all the skills to create and run a business and then you will put those lessons to the test, with the chance to compete in national awards. It's a winning formula. Some of our recent Business students have even gone on to achieve great success in national competitions such as Young Enterprise. Equivalent to 2 A Levels, this course supports progression to a degree - and 80% of our students do just that! Many study at our University Centre; others enter employment or apprenticeships, and some even start up their own business. This is a full-time course delivered Monday to Friday over 16 to 18 hours a week. · Employers want business skills! In year 1, you will develop essential skills required by employers eg creating professional documents, communicating online and offline, working effectively in teams, customer service and organising events. Learn how to run your own business. In year 2, you will learn how to set up and run your own business and how to attract and grow your customer base using social media. Entry Requirements If you are aged between 16-18 and want to pursue a career in business enterprise, then this could be the course for you. 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (including Maths and English), a Level 2 Extended Cert in Business at Merit or above (or an equivalent qualification) All 16–18-year-old applicants will be invited to attend an interview to meet a tutor and ask any questions they may have about the course. Essential Skills – English and Maths If you achieve a grade 3 in GCSE Maths or English you will have to work towards re-sitting these subjects as part of your main study programme. At B&FC, this won’t delay your career journey because you’re working towards these subjects at the same time as your chosen subject. Qualification ObtainedDiploma in Skills for Business: Sales and Marketing Industry Placement and Field TripsOf course, not all learning takes place in the classroom and therefore the course includes a range of other mandatory activities including: Trips – a range of educational trips will be included into your curriculum which are specially selected to develop your understanding of the range of business careers and help you to experience the ‘real’ world business world. Personal and Social Development - You will also complete the National Citizen Service Programme where you will develop your personal and social skills through a range of fun and exciting outdoor activities. This is one of the events our students love as it really helps you to bond with other students and try new things which are perhaps out of your normal daily routine. Work Placement - In your 2nd year, you will also complete a mandatory 45-day work placement where you will be able to practice and polish your business skills, build a network of business contacts, and develop your career prospects. Learning and Teaching Methods The Team – we are a friendly, supportive, and highly experienced team of business lecturers. Our students consistently praise the support and teaching we provide, and we are immensely proud of this. The Lessons – we will guide and support you through each module and assessment in our comfortable and well-equipped classrooms. You will have approximately 13-hours of timetabled lessons per week which will include a variety of engaging activities designed to develop your business skills and knowledge. Typical activities in lessons include discussions, group work, practical demonstrations, quizzes and presentations. Specialist speakers will also join some of your sessions to bring the ‘real’ world of business directly to you. Technology - As a B&FC student, you will have access to the Microsoft Office 365 suite through your student account, which you will be able to use remotely from home and in college, to access all the lesson materials, develop your business skills and communicate with your Tutors. Your Tutors will also integrate a range of interactive technologies into their lessons to enhance your learning experience. Private Study – you will also be expected to undertake a minimum of 2 hours per week of private study outside of timetabled sessions as required to ensure you meet course deadlines. Year 1: Level 3 Diploma in Skills for Business – 6 Modules: 1. Producing professional business documents (internal assessment – 16.6%) 2. Planning business events (internal assessment – 16.6%) 3. Working in business teams (internal assessment – 16.6%) 4. Communicating in a business environment (internal assessment – 16.6%) 5. Customer Service in a business environment (internal assessment – 16.6%) 6. Managing and improving your performance in a business (internal assessment – 16.6%) Year 2: Level 3 Diploma in Skills for Business: Enterprise - 7 Modules (+ 45-day work placement in a local business) 1. Starting a small business (internal assessment – 14.3%) 2. Planning and pitching your own business (internal assessment – 14.3%) 3. Solving business problems (internal assessment – 14.3%) 4. Respond to change in business (internal assessment – 14.3%) 5. Innovation in business (internal assessment – 14.3%) 6. Social Enterprises (internal assessment – 14.3%) 7. Business culture and responsibilities (internal assessment – 14.3%) Expert Tutors All staff involved in the delivery of further education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. Year 1: Level 3 Diploma in Skills for Business – 6 Modules: 1. Producing professional business documents (internal assessment – 16.6%) 2. Planning business events (internal assessment – 16.6%) 3. Working in business teams (internal assessment – 16.6%) 4. Communicating in a business environment (internal assessment – 16.6%) 5. Customer Service in a business environment (internal assessment – 16.6%) 6. Managing and improving your performance in a business (internal assessment – 16.6%) Year 2: Level 3 Diploma in Skills for Business: Enterprise - 7 Modules (+ 45-day work placement in a local business) 1. Starting a small business (internal assessment – 14.3%) 2. Planning and pitching your own business (internal assessment – 14.3%) 3. Solving business problems (internal assessment – 14.3%) 4. Respond to change in business (internal assessment – 14.3%) 5. Innovation in business (internal assessment – 14.3%) 6. Social Enterprises (internal assessment – 14.3%) 7. Business culture and responsibilities (internal assessment – 14.3%) Industry Placement and Field Trips Of course, not all learning takes place in the classroom and therefore the course includes a range of other mandatory activities including: Trips – a range of educational trips will be included into your curriculum which are specially selected to develop your understanding of the range of business careers and help you to experience the ‘real’ world business world. Personal and Social Development - You will also complete the National Citizen Service Programme where you will develop your personal and social skills through a range of fun and exciting outdoor activities. This is one of the events our students love as it really helps you to bond with other students and try new things which are perhaps out of your normal daily routine. Work Placement - In your 2nd year, you will also complete a mandatory 45-day work placement where you will be able to practice and polish your business skills, build a network of business contacts, and develop your career prospects. Teaching and Learning Methods The Team – we are a friendly, supportive, and highly experienced team of business lecturers. Our students consistently praise the support and teaching we provide, and we are immensely proud of this. The Lessons – we will guide and support you through each module and assessment in our comfortable and well-equipped classrooms. You will have approximately 13-hours of timetabled lessons per week which will include a variety of engaging activities designed to develop your business skills and knowledge. Typical activities in lessons include discussions, group work, practical demonstrations, quizzes and presentations. Specialist speakers will also join some of your sessions to bring the ‘real’ world of business directly to you. Technology - As a B&FC student, you will have access to the Microsoft Office 365 suite through your student account, which you will be able to use remotely from home and in college, to access all the lesson materials, develop your business skills and communicate with your Tutors. Your Tutors will also integrate a range of interactive technologies into their lessons to enhance your learning experience. Private Study – you will also be expected to undertake a minimum of 2 hours per week of private study outside of timetabled sessions as required to ensure you meet course deadlines. Expert Tutors All staff involved in the delivery of further education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. Other Costs and Equipment NeededOther than basic stationery (pens, paper, folder etc) all resources are available at B&FC and are not required to be purchased. Access to a computer or digital device at home would be beneficial to your skills development, but not required. The NCS field trip is government-funded and includes 3 meals a day, a full activity program, accommodation, and travel. There may be the opportunity for you to access other educational trips. These will be optional, and costs confirmed with you prior to a planned trip. (Indicative cost in the region of £15) Tuition Fees If you are 18 and under no fees are payable. If you are 19+, please read our tuition fee guide for adult learners. Regulation and Accreditation Accrediting Institution: N/A Awarding Body: NCFE Regulatory Body: Ofsted Terms and Conditions Read our full terms and conditions for more information. Career Options and Progression Career Options and Progression Business skills are required in all organisations, so your career choices after this course are endless including sales, marketing, customer service, retail, finance, management. Future careers might include Admin Officer, Customer Service Manager, Retail Manager, Financial Advisor, Event Organiser, or you could even set up and run your own business empire! Progression from Year 1 – after successfully completing year 1, you will achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Skills for Business which is equivalent to 1 A’ Level and could progress onto our Year 2 or leave at this point to undertake further study or employment eg apprenticeships. Progression from Year 2 – after successfully completing year 2, you will achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Skills for Business with Enterprise, equivalent to 2 A’ Levels and could progress onto employment, potentially with your work placement provider, or progress onto our Foundation Degree in Business Management