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Where will this course lead?

This course is ideal for you if you want a practical introduction to business and administration. The course is designed to offer a taster of what it would be like to work in one of these areas and you will learn new skills.

What will I study?

You will study essential topics such as:

  • Understanding the roles and responsibilities in business administration.
  • Utilizing various office equipment and IT in a professional setting
  • Understanding basic business finance systems.
  • Methods of marketing.
  • Developing innovative ideas for a small business.

As part of your diploma in Business and Administration, you'll also develop your Maths, English, and IT skills.

How will this course be delivered?

Students will engage in practical work both individually and in small groups, using computers for writing and research tasks.

What qualifications will I get?

You will earn a Business Level 1 Diploma from EDEXCEL.

How will I be assessed?

To pass the course, you will complete practical assignments and coursework for the individual topics you study.

How do I get a place on the course?

Admission is by interview with course tutors. A taster day in early July allows you to experience the course before making a commitment.

What are the entry requirements?

You will need 3 GCSEs at grade 2 or above, one of which must be in English Literature or Language. No prior computer experience is necessary, though familiarity with word processing is beneficial. Depending on your qualifications, a diagnostic test in English and Maths may be required to ensure you have the needed skills.

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply; we'll provide support during the interview. We're also happy to assist with your application if needed.

What else do I need to know?

The course includes business trips for real-world experience as well as guest speakers and career tutorials.

You are expected to dress appropriately, as if you were in a real working environment.

What can I do after this course?

Most students who complete the Level 1 course advance to the Level 2 Business or a Level 2 Apprenticeship. Alternatively, you may choose to enter the workforce in the business and administration sector. Progression to any other course in the Business faculty will require you to achieve a minimum of a Distinction grade and excellent attendance levels.

Throughout your diploma journey, you will receive guidance through a series of tutorials to help determine your career path, including support with internal application forms and external job applications.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

BMCAX153BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Business Analyst

Jobholders in this unit group advise industrial, commercial and other establishments on a variety of management and business-related matters to assist in the formulation of financial and business policies in order to maximise growth or improve business performance.

What’s Involved?

Business Analyst's assess the functions, objectives and requirements of the organisation seeking advice. They identify problems concerned with business strategy, policy, organisation, procedures, methods and markets. They also determine the appropriate method of data collection and research methodology, analyse and interpret information gained and formulate and implement recommendations and solutions. They advise governments, commercial enterprises, organisations and other clients in light of research findings. They run workshops, and address seminars, conferences and the media to present results of research activity or to express professional views.

Production Manager

Production managers and directors in manufacturing plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the activities and resources necessary for production in manufacturing industries including the maintenance of engineering items, equipment and machinery.

What’s Involved?

Production Managers study existing and alternative production methods, regarding work flow, plant layout, types of machinery and cost. They recommend optimum equipment and layout and prepare drawings and specifications. They devise and implement production control methods to monitor operational efficiency. They also investigate and eliminate potential hazards and bottlenecks in production. They advise management on and ensure effective implementation of new production methods, techniques and equipment. They liaise with materials buying, storing and controlling departments to ensure a steady flow of supplies. They undertake research and develop processes to achieve physical and/or chemical change for oil, pharmaceutical, synthetic, plastic, food and other products. They also design, control and construct process plants to manufacture products.

Receptionist

Receptionists receive and direct telephone calls and visitors to commercial, government and other establishments.

What’s Involved?

Receptionist's receive callers and clients and direct them to the appropriate person or department. They record the details of enquiries and make appointments and reservations. They also answer, screen and forward or otherwise deal with telephone enquiries. They supply brochures, pamphlets and other information for clients. They record details of visitors, issue security passes and inform visitors of any actions to be taken in case of an emergency. They also maintain reception area in good order.

Business Project and Finance Manager

Job holders in this unit group manage and oversee major projects across all sectors of modern industry, commerce and the public sector, in areas such as e-commerce, business analysis, finance, product development, marketing, human resources.

What’s Involved?

Business Project and Finance Managers find out what the client or company wants to achieve. They agree timescales, costs and resources needed. They also draw up a detailed plan for how to achieve each stage of the project. They select and lead a project team. They negotiate with contractors and suppliers for materials and services. They also ensure that each stage of the project is progressing on time, on budget and to the right quality standards. They report regularly on progress to the client or to senior managers.

Finance Manager/Director

Financial managers and directors plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate financial information and advise on company financial policy.

What’s Involved?

Finance Managers/Directors participate in the formulation of strategic and long-term business plans, assess the implications for the organisation financial mechanisms and oversee their implementation. They plan external and internal audit programmes, arrange for the collection and analysis of accounting, budgetary and related information, and manage the company's financial systems. They determine staffing levels appropriate for accounting activities. They also assess and advise on factors affecting business performance.

Legal Associate

Legal associate professionals provide administrative support for legal professionals, and investigate and make recommendations on legal matters that do not fall within the province of a normal court of law.

What’s Involved?

Legal Associates run chambers on behalf of principals, develop the practice, manage the flow of work, decide which cases to accept, arrange appropriate fees and prepare financial records. They collate information, draft briefs and other documents. They also interview and advise clients, undertake preparatory work for court cases. They attend court to assist barristers and solicitors in the presentation of a case. They assist in all aspects of property conveyancing and probate and common law practice.

Sales Executive

Business sales executives provide advice to existing and potential customers, and receive orders for specialist machinery, equipment, materials and other products or services that require technical knowledge.

What’s Involved?

Sales Executives discuss customer requirements and advise them on the capabilities and limitations of the goods or services being sold. They quote prices, credit details, delivery dates and payment arrangements and arrange for delivery and installation of goods if appropriate. They also make follow up visits to ensure customer satisfaction and to obtain further orders. They stay abreast of advances in product/field and suggest possible improvements to product or service. They maintain records and accounts of sales made and handle customer complaints.

Credit Controller

Credit controllers perform financial, administrative and other tasks in relation to credit control and debt collection.

What’s Involved?

Credit Controllers receive requests for credit submissions and lending proposals. They arrange for investigations of the credit worthiness of individuals or companies. They also deal with any enquiries or difficulties concerning the acceptance or rejection of credit applications. They check that accounting, recording and statutory procedures are adhered to for all credit transactions. They arrange for the collection of arrears of payment.

Supervisor

Office supervisors oversee operations and directly supervise and coordinate the activities of those carrying out general administrative and clerical work and performing specialist administrative and clerical duties in relation to finance, records, sales and other services to a variety of commercial, industrial and other non-governmental organisations and public agencies.

What’s Involved?

Supervisors directly supervise and coordinate the activities of office staff. They establish and monitor work schedules to meet the organisation's requirements. They liaise with managers and other senior staff to resolve operational problems. They also determine or recommend staffing and other needs to meet the organisation's requirements. They report as required to managerial staff on work-related matters.

Marketing Associate

Marketing Associate professionals assist in the development and implementation of projects which aim to elicit the preferences and requirements of consumers, businesses and other specified target groups so that suppliers may meet these needs.

What’s Involved?

Marketing Associates discuss business methods, products or services and target customer group with employer or client in order to identify marketing requirements. They establish an appropriate quantitative and qualitative market research methodology and prepare proposals outlining programmes of work and details of costs. They collate and interpret findings of market research and present results to clients. They also discuss possible changes that need to be made in terms of design, price, packaging, promotion etc. in light of market research with appropriate departments. They brief advertising team on client requirements, monitor the progress of advertising campaigns and liaise with client on potential modifications.

Event Organiser

Job holders in this unit group manage, organise and coordinate business conferences, exhibitions and similar events.

What’s Involved?

Event Organisers discuss conference and exhibition requirements with clients and advise on facilities. They develop proposals for the event, and present proposal to client. They also allocate exhibition space to exhibitors. They plan work schedules, assign tasks, and co-ordinate the activities of designers, crafts people, technical staff, caterers and other events staff. They liaise closely with venue staff to ensure smooth running of the event. They ensure that Health and Safety and other statutory regulations are met.

Pensions Advisor

Pensions and insurance clerks and assistants provide general clerical support to senior colleagues and perform specialist clerical tasks in relation to the administration of pensions and insurance policies.

What’s Involved?

Pensions Advisors answer queries from clients and assist in interpreting and completing information requested on forms. They check forms completed by clients and contact clients to obtain additional information or to clarify details. They make arrangements for financial advisers to visit clients and potential customers. They transfer information from application forms and other documentation to computerised records. They also receive notice of changes to personal circumstances and update files. They issue application forms, policy documents, reminders, claim forms and other standard documentation. They perform general clerical duties to support senior staff.

Human Resources Officer

Human resources and industrial relations officers conduct research and advise on recruitment, training, staff appraisal and industrial relations policies and assist specialist managers with negotiations on behalf of a commercial enterprise, trade union or other organisation.

What’s Involved?

Human Resource Officers undertake research into pay differentials, productivity and efficiency bonuses and other payments. They develop and recommend personnel and industrial relations policies, assist with their implementation and draft staff handbooks. They also assist with negotiations between management and employees or trade unions concerning pay and conditions of employment. They interview candidates for jobs. They also advise on training and recruitment, negotiating procedures, salary agreements and other personnel and industrial relations issues. They deal with grievance and disciplinary procedures, and with staff welfare and counselling provision.

Office Manager

Office managers plan, organise and co-ordinate the activities and resources of offices within commercial, industrial and other non-governmental organisations and public agencies. (National and local government office managers are classified to unit group 3561: Public services associate professionals.)

What’s Involved?

Office Managers plan work schedules, assign tasks and delegate responsibilities. They advise on the handling of all correspondence and enquiries relating to accounts, sales, statistical and vacancy records. They also ensure that procedures for considering, issuing, amending and endorsing insurance policies are adhered too. They plan, organise and co-ordinate the activities and resources of other offices not elsewhere classified including box offices, other ticket offices and accommodation bureaux.

Property Manager

Job holders within this unit group manage shopping centres, residential areas and private estates, and arrange for the sale, purchase, rental and leasing of property on behalf of clients and employers.

What’s Involved?

A Property Manager determines staffing, financial, material and other short- and long-term requirements; manages general upkeep, maintenance and security of the estate's amenities; makes sure that the amenities meet health and safety standards and legal requirements; advises on energy efficiency; discusses client's requirements and may advise client on the purchase of property and land for investment and other purposes; conducts or arranges for structural surveys of properties and undertakes any necessary valuations of property or agricultural land, and deals with grant and subsidy applications; negotiates land or property purchases and sales or leases and tenancy agreements and arranges legal formalities with solicitors, building societies and other parties; maintains or arranges for the maintenance of estate accounts and records and produces financial forecasts; acts as arbiter in disputes between landlord and tenant and ensures that both fulfil their legal obligations; examines and assesses housing applications, advises on rent levels, investigates complaints and liaises with tenants' association and social workers to resolve any family problems.

Legal Secretary

Legal secretaries file and maintain legal and other records, transcribe notes and dictation into typewritten form and perform other routine clerical tasks in legal practices.

What’s Involved?

A Legal Secretary types letters and legal documents such as wills and contracts; maintains court and clients' records, organises diaries and arranges appointments; answers enquiries and directs clients to appropriate experts; attends meetings and keeps records of proceedings; delivers and collects documents; sorts and files correspondence and carries out general clerical work.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.