Business Start Ups - Level 1 Award

Course aims

To develop skills and knowledge needed to set up your own business. This course will prepare you for employment or a level 2 course in this area.

Course length

130 Guided learning hours. 12 weeks – 30 hours.

Who is this course for?

Adults (19+) who would like to develop their enterprise skills for everyday life and work and achieve a Level 1 qualification.

Will I gain any qualifications?

Yes, Level 1 Award in Developing Employability Skills through Enterprise awarded by ABC Awards. There are a range of learning activities in class to ensure you have the skills and knowledge for each assessment. There is a written assessment for each unit, therefore good ICT skills are essential. The course embeds the development of study, English, maths and job skills to help prepare you for study at higher levels and improve work prospects.

Do I need any prior knowledge, skills or qualifications?

Your English, maths and IT skills will be assessed before you join the course to make sure that the course is the right level for you.

Course Content

By the end of the course you will complete the following mandatory units;

• Understanding Enterprise
• General employability skills
• Producing a business product
• Marketing your business

What could this course lead to?

Employment or progression to a higher level e.g. Level 2 course

How will I learn?

• You will have an Individual Learning Plan which sets targets that are personal to you. Targets will be added throughout the course to develop your skills and support your journey to achieve long term goals. Your tutor will give you regular feedback on what you are doing well and what you need to do to improve.
• Use of Learner Zone (online course to support your learning)
• Demonstrations and roleplays
• Collaboration with other learners
• Using ICT to complete your assignments
• Your tutor will give you regular feedback on what you are doing well and what you need to do to improve.

What we require of you as a learner?

You will be invited to a 1:1 progress review with your tutor on a frequent basis. This will take place either half an hour before or after your normal class time.

Paper, pen and ring binder plus, if possible, bring along your own device (smartphone or tablet) to access online resources and apps to support your ICT learning in class. You will also need to be prepared to do some individual work at home between classes.

To improve your progress on the course we expect you to attend on time and every session. If you are unable to attend a session, you will be required to email your tutor with the reason for non-attendance and you will be set work to complete at home.

Useful website(s)

• www.learnbaes.ac.uk
• www.abcawards.co.uk/qualification/level-1-award-in-employability-skills/
• www.skillsyouneed.com/general/customer-service-tips.html

AAT Award in Business Skills – Level 1

Course aims

This course aims to introduce you to the business environment, skills needed for the workplace, the importance of team-working, communications, effective time management and the need for professional behaviour.

Course length

75 guided learning hours, 5 hour sessions per week.

Who is this course for?

This course offers you the opportunity to:

• develop key practical skills used in every business as a route into employment.
• have minimal work experience or need additional support to progress.

This may include younger learners, those on traineeships seeking basic employability skills, adults seeking to validate their existing skills to enter into the workplace, or those who want to study higher level AAT qualifications but would like to test their abilities before progressing further with AAT.

Will I gain any qualification?

Yes. You must successfully achieve one mandatory unit assessment to achieve the AAT Award in Business Skills – Level 1 qualification.

Do I need any prior knowledge, skills or qualifications?

No prior knowledge, skills or qualifications are required. A basic level of English and Maths is required at Level 1 as this will help you to read and understand the materials provided.

Content

The course outcomes are:

Working in business environment

• develop skills for the workplace
• understand how organisations operate
• understand how sales and purchase support businesses
• apply business procedures to sales and purchases

Using numbers in business

• perform simple business calculations
• calculate decimals, fractions, percentages, proportions and ratios
• use tools and techniques to present numerical data

Support if you are registered unemployed, looking for a job or a better job – Route to Work

As part of your programme of learning, we will support you to develop the skills you need to get a job or a better job, such as CV writing, application forms, interviews and working in a team.  Your teacher will discuss your individual learning and development needs to agree with you which of our Route to Work short courses will best suit your needs and enrol you on these modules.

What could this course lead to?

This course could lead to AAT Award in Bookkeeping- Level 1 or employment as junior or supporting administrative roles across a wide range of sectors.

What types of jobs could you get?

This course could lead to the following employment opportunities:

• Clerical Assistant
• Trainee Bookkeeper
• Accounts Clerk
• Finance Assistant
• Accounts Administrator

How will I learn?

Learning for this course is ‘Blended’, using both online and onsite environments. Your teacher will explain how the course will be delivered. You will be shown how to access Birmingham Adult Education Services (BAES) Virtual Learning Environment (VLE - Moodle) which is a secure online tool which provides you with resources and support for your studies.

You will be able to access resources like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Padlet, to engage in activities, study independently, and participate in group discussions with your teacher. You will record your own progress and have your work checked regularly throughout the course.

What materials or equipment will I need to provide?

You will need to have access at home to:

• laptop, computer or a tablet which is connected to the internet
• Microsoft Office 365 which we will provide for free when you enrol on one of our courses
• notepad and pen – you will need to take notes during the online sessions and a folder to store hand-outs and completed exercises
• calculator

What we require of you as a learner?

• regular attendance and punctuality is essential for you to succeed
• work at home will need to be completed punctually and sent to your teacher for marking
• you will need to ensure that you allow sufficient time for self-study and complete any homework set
• you will be expected to complete all assessments and complete the full course.
• register with AAT

Useful website(s)

For more information about Birmingham Adult Education Service (BAES): www.learnbaes.ac.uk. · For more information about Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT): www.aat.org.uk

Workskills: Completing a job application form

Course aims

To introduce learners to the process of selecting suitable job opportunities and completing appropriate documentation to apply for these opportunities. In this unit you will select and apply for job vacancies that are right for you, your skills and interests and to understand how to present yourself in writing to potential employers for selection for interview.

Course length

20 guided learning hours at 2 hours per week.

Who is this course for?

BTEC Workskills suite of qualifications have been designed to offer learners a flexible programme of study to improve their understanding and application of employability skills. These qualifications have been developed to ensure that the knowledge, skills and understanding they provide are relevant, current and useful for learners and potential employers. Learners have the opportunity to follow a flexible course and achieve a nationally recognised Entry 3 vocationally-related qualification. On completion of one of these qualifications, learners have the opportunity to progress to related general and/or vocational qualifications, or employment in a particular vocational sector.

Will I gain any qualifications?

Yes - successful candidates will receive Pearson Workskills Entry 3 Qualification.

Do I need any prior knowledge, skills or qualifications?

No, however you do need a reasonable standard of English to write and communicate.

Course content

To achieve the qualification, you must complete:

• Identify own skills and needs for job roles
• Choose appropriate job roles that are suitable to fulfil needs through effective information handling
• Produce a document in support of a job application that is appropriately presented

What Could This Course Lead To?

On completion of these qualifications’ learners may progress into employment or other Workskills unit or be studying this unit as part of a vocational course.

How Will I Learn?

• Learning will take place online from your home using Birmingham Adult Education Services Virtual Learning Environment (VLE - Moodle) which is a secure online tool to support you with your studies.   It has been designed to complement teaching and offers a flexible addition to studying with us. Various other tools like Microsoft Teams & Padlet will be used to enhance teaching & learning.
• You will be able to access resources, engage in online activities, study independently, and participate in group discussions with your teacher. You will record your own progress and have your work checked regularly throughout the course. You will be assessed by an online test for each of the units.
• Once you are enrolled your teacher will provide you with an enrolment key and show you how to access the resource.

What materials or equipment will I need to provide?

You will need to have access at home to:

• A laptop or a computer which is connected to the internet
• Microsoft Office 2016 installed on your laptop
• Notepad and pen – you will need to take notes during the online sessions and a folder to store hand-outs and completed exercises

What we require of you as a learner?

• Regular attendance is essential for you to succeed
• Work at home will need to be completed punctually and sent to your tutor for marking
• You will need to ensure that you allow sufficient time for self-study and complete any homework set
• You will be expected to complete all end of unit exams and complete the full course

Support if you are registered unemployed, looking for a job or a better job – Route to Work

As part of your programme of learning, we will support you to develop the skills you need to get a job or a better job, such as CV writing, application forms, interviews and working in a team.  Your tutor will discuss your individual learning and development needs to agree with you which of our Route to Work short courses will best suit your needs and enrol you on these modules.  

Useful website(s)

• For more information about Birmingham Adult Education Service: www.learnbaes.ac.uk
• Pearson qualifications | Edexcel, BTEC, LCCI and EDI | Pearson qualifications

International Certification of Digital Literacy (ICDL) - Level 3 Certificate

Course Aims

To gain the skills and experience of using common office IT Applications at an advanced level to meet the needs of employers.  Employers are always on the lookout people with practical, work-ready skills who can add value to their business from day one. So, if you are thinking of a career in Office Administration, or are already there but would like to progress to the next stage, the ICDL Advanced could be the ideal training and accreditation for you.  You’ll learn a wide range of essential IT skills to an advanced level which will make you stand out from the crowd and kick start your career.

Course Length

120 guided learning hours at 4 hours per week.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is designed for the competent and confident IT users. Candidates will have completed ICDL Level 2 (or equivalent) and have demonstrated the ability to study these subjects at a higher level. Candidates will have to prove suitability for the course by passing a demanding initial assessment.

Will I Gain Any Qualifications?

Yes - Successful candidates will receive a BCS Level 3 ICDL Flexiqual Certificate.

Do I Need Any Prior Knowledge, Skills Or Qualifications?

You will need at least Level 2 written English and have experience of and qualifications in IT at Level 2. If you have obtained any QCF IT qualifications in the last three years, it may be possible to get credit for those qualifications which may help you to complete quicker.

Course Content

By the end learners will be able to use the following Microsoft Office software at an advanced level.

• Improving Productivity Unit (Level 3) which is Mandatory
• Word Processing (Level 3)
• Presentation Software (Level 3)
• Databases Software (Level 2)
• Spreadsheet Software (Level 2)

It may be possible to complete Databases and Spreadsheets units at Level 3.

What Could This Course Lead To?

This qualification will improve your job prospects if you wish to work in an office environment in a role that requires advanced IT skills.

How Will I Learn?

• Learning will take place initially in a classroom environment and then online from your home using Birmingham Adult Education Services Virtual Learning Environment (VLE - Moodle) which is a secure online tool to support you with your studies. It has been designed to complement teaching and offers a flexible addition to studying with us. Various other tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom & Padlet will be used to enhance teaching & learning.

• You will be able to access resources, engage in online activities, study independently, and participate in group discussions with your teacher. You will record your own progress and have your work checked regularly throughout the course. You will be assessed by an online test for each of the units.
• Once you are enrolled your teacher will provide you with an enrolment key and show you how to access the resource.

What Materials Or Equipment Will I Need To Provide?

You will need to have access at home to:

• A laptop, computer or a tablet which is connected to the internet
• Microsoft Office 365 which we will provide for free when you enrol on one of our courses
• Notepad and pen – you will need to take notes during the online sessions and a folder to store hand-outs and completed exercises

What We Require Of You As A Learner?

• Work at home will need to be completed punctually and sent to your tutor for marking
• You will need to ensure that you allow sufficient time for self-study and complete any homework set
• You will be expected to complete all end of unit exams and complete the full course

Useful Website(s)

• For more information about Birmingham Adult Education Service: www.learnbaes.ac.uk
• The Chartered Institute for IT: www.bcs.org

AAT Certificate in Bookkeeping – Level 3

Course aims

This course aims to develop existing skills and knowledge to an advanced level for anyone wishing to pursue a career in bookkeeping.

Course length

210 guided learning hours, 5 hour sessions per week.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for those who wish to focus soley on developing their bookkeeping skills in order to progress quickly to employment or to focus on becoming a bookkeeper. Learners may wish to start with this qualification before progressing to complete the AAT Diploma in Accounting – Level 3, in order to gain a wider knowledge of accountancy.

Will I gain any qualifications?

Yes. You must successfully pass two mandatory unit assessment to achieve the AAT Certificate in Bookkeeping – Level 3 qualification.

Do I need any prior knowledge, skills or qualifications?

Yes. Prior knowledge, skills or level 2 qualification in bookkeeping and/or accounting are required. A basic level of English is needed as this will help you to read and understand the materials provided.

Content

The course outcomes are:

Financial Accounting: Preparing financial statements

• understand accounting principles underlying final accounts preparation
• understand the principles of advanced double-entry bookkeeping.
• implement procedures for the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets
• prepare and record depreciation calculations
• record period end adjustments
• produce and extend the trial balance
• produce financial statements for sole traders and partnerships
• interpret financial statements using profitability ratios
• prepare accounting records from incomplete information

Tax processes for businesses

• understand legislation requirements relating to VAT
• calculate VAT
• review and verify VAT returns.
• understand principles for payroll.
• report information within the organisation

Support if you are registered unemployed, looking for a job or a better job – Route to Work

As part of your programme of learning, we will support you to develop the skills you need to get a job or a better job, such as CV writing, application forms, interviews and working in a team.  Your teacher will discuss your individual learning and development needs to agree with you which of our Route to Work short courses will best suit your needs and enrol you on these modules.

What could this course lead to?

Once the Level 3 has been achieved you can become eligible for AAT Qualified Bookkeeper (AATQB) status and set up your own bookkeeping practice. This course could lead to AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting - Level 4 (MAAT).

What types of jobs could I get?

This course could lead to the following employment opportunities:

• Professional Bookkeeper
• Senior Bookkeeper
• Accounts Manager
• Ledger Manager

How will I learn?

Learning for this course is ‘Blended’, using both online and onsite environments. Your teacher will explain this further. You will be shown how to access Birmingham Adult Education Services (BAES) Virtual Learning Environment (VLE - Moodle) which is a secure online tool, which provides you with support for your studies.

You will be able to access resources like Moodle, Zoom, Padlet, to engage in activities, study independently, and participate in group discussions with your teacher. You will record your own progress and have your work checked regularly throughout the course.

What materials or equipment will I need to provide?

You will need to have access at home to:

• laptop, computer or a tablet which is connected to the internet.
• Microsoft Office 365 which we will provide for free when you enrol on one of our courses.
• notepad and pen – you will need to take notes during the online sessions and a folder to store hand-outs and completed exercises.
• books recommended by teacher.
• calculator.

What we require of you as a learner

• regular attendance and punctuality is essential for you to succeed.
• work at home will need to be completed punctually and sent to your teacher for marking.
• you will need to ensure that you allow sufficient time for self-study and complete any homework set.
• you will be expected to complete all assessments and complete the full course.
• register with AAT.

Useful website(s)

For more information about Birmingham Adult Education Service (BAES): www.learnbaes.ac.uk

For more information about Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT): www.aat.org.uk