Business Skills
A breakdown of the qualification and course content
A breakdown of the qualification and course content
What exactly is a Foundation Apprenticeship and what is it worth?
Foundation Apprenticeships consist of groups of qualifications which are comparible to a Higher and are very recognisable in industries. The main qualification in the award will usually be a National Progression Award or a National Certificate at SCQF L6.
In most of our Foundation Apprenticeships you will also complete some SVQ units while in your work placement. SVQs are a work based qualification which allows individuals to demonstrate their competency by providing written and other forms of evidence.
Depending on the course, you might complete work which could be considered as comparable to more than one Higher but this is normaly assessed on an individual basis by the university or college you apply to.
We explain this further in the progression section.
Course Units
Course Units
NPA Business Skills
Year 1
| Units | Description |
|---|---|
|
Understanding Business
|
This Unit will enhance your understanding of the features and characteristics of large organisations. It will further develop the skills, knowledge and understanding by carrying out activities relating to the operation of large organisations including those that operate globally. You will explore issues relating to the internal and external environment in which larger organisations operate and the effect this can have on decision making and profitability. |
| Management of People and Finance |
This Unit will enhance learners’ understanding of the management of people and finance within large organisations. You will develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required to make decisions about how to manage these resources effectively. In doing so you will enhance your employability by being able to carry out activities that will contribute to organisational success. On completion of the unit you will be able to: 1 Apply knowledge and understanding of how the management of people can meet the objectives of large organisations 2 Analyse how the management of finance contributes to the effectiveness of large organisations. |
| PC Passport: working with IT Software-Word Processing and Presenting Information | You will be introduced to complex features of word processing and presentation application software. You will gain practical experience in the use of complex features in these types of software. You will also develop skills regarding the selection of appropriate software for specific tasks |
| PC Passport: Working with IT Software - Spreadsheet and Database | You will be introduced to complex features of spreadsheet and database application software. You will gain practical experience in the use of complex features in these types of software. The Unit will also provide you with information regarding the selection of appropriate software for specific tasks. |
| Contemporary Business Issues | The purpose of this Unit is to develop your understanding of contemporary business issues through investigation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the business strategies appropriate for SMEs at different stages of the business life cycle. All businesses journey through a life cycle but may deal differently with the stages of the life cycle. You will therefore examine the increasing complexity facing businesses at different stages of the life cycle and how priorities, objectives and functional activity may affect their operation |
| Year 2 | |
| Work Placement | The Work Placement Unit at SCQF level 6 is designed to recognise the valuable learning and development which takes place as a result of planning and carrying out a suitable work placement. You will have an opportunity to think about your abilities and career aspirations in preparation for your work placement. During the placement you will negotiate tasks, work with others and carry out a vocational learning project. You will evaluate your progress on completion of the placement and there will be opportunities to catch up with your lecturer. |
Progression routes
Progression routes
Pathways following completion
Pathways following completion
There are opportunities to progress to an MA in Business Management.
On successful completion you will be able to progress to the
or
Applying to other universities
Skills Development Scotland had been working closely with universities and colleges to understand the ways that the Foundation Apprenticeship Award is considered in their admissions policies.
We have included the most up to date guides from Skills Development Scotland
Employer links
Employer links
Foundation Apprenticeships are designed in consultation with industries who are relevant to the subject.
This consultation continues throughout the yearly delivery of our Foundation Apprenticeship courses.
This can take the form of:
Classroom talks from key individuals in companies who participate in Foundation Apprenticeship placements.
Opportunities to showcase learning to various employers.
Challenges and projects set for Foundation Apprenticeships by employers.
Classroom vists from Modern and Graduate apprentices.
Vists to employers.
All employers who agree to provide placements are also approved by us and the local authority to have school children on their premises and they work closely with the Developign the Young Workforce Team at Inverness College UHI to support and observe the young person in the work placement.
How to apply
How to apply
Applications for Foundation Apprenticeships open in January each year as part of our wider schools programme application process. Dates are directly communicated to schools, and are also available on our website. Applicants can apply on our schools section until the closing date.
You can discuss an application or potential application with your guidance teacher at any time and request further information from the our schools team.