Level 2 Certificate in Business Enterprise

The BTEC Level 2 Technical Certificate in Business Enterprise is an intermediate qualification for post-16 learners who want to specialise in a business role. It prepares learners for work, an Apprenticeship or progression onto our level 3 Business qualification by giving you the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge, technical and practical skills, and to apply these skills in work-related environments. Developed in close conjunction with leading employers, this unification develops transferable workplace skills, such as good communication and the ability to work in a team, which employers have identified as essential for gaining employment in the sector and for progression once you are in the workplace.

At the core of this qualification is the concept of preparing young people for the working world. Through practical activities and occupationally-fit-for-purpose assessments, you will gain the skills and behaviours needed for sustainable employment.

You will learn about the theoretical concepts and professional practice used across industry as a whole. The course does this by giving you the skill to complete a business plan from idea conception to pitching your business idea to potential investors. You will cover how Enterprise benefits businesses, generating your own business idea, conducting your own market research, costing your business, forecasting sales and cash flow and indication of and reduction of risks to your business.

This course is a work-related qualification designed to offer you a choice of routes into Level 3 programmes and employment, and you will be graded with either a pass, merit or distinction grade for each unit of study.

You will attend College full-time for one year and your timetable will include independent study time to help you to complete the work set in class. You will also need to work in your own time in order to achieve the higher merit/distinction grades.

You will study GCSE English and Maths if you have not yet achieved these vital qualifications - the skills that are essential to progress in a business environment, either to the next level of study or in employment. This will also help you to complete your assessed course work.

You will continue to improve your English and/or maths skills in structured lessons alongside your course, and if you plan to progress to a Level 3 course you will need to demonstrate a satisfactory level of improvement in English and/or maths by the end of the year.

Course Outline

In the course you will study 4 Core Units;

• The Business Enterprise Environment
• Researching a Concept for a New or Revised Product or Service
• Promoting and Financing an Enterprise Idea
• Planning and Pitching an Enterprise Idea

You will need 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above to include Maths &/or English or alternatively you may have completed a related Level 1 course to Merit grade plus Maths &/or English at a minimum grade 3. However, if you have a keen interest in the subject and commitment to succeed, your entry requirements will be discussed at interview.

25% external assessment (exams) and 75% internal assessment by coursework. You are continuously assessed throughout the course. For each unit national standards are laid down, in which you have to show you are competent. Your tutors ensure that you are given opportunities to do this through projects, assignments, case studies and problem-solving situations.

The course is about the practical development of business knowledge and skills. You learn, and are assessed, by doing. To help you there is a course team of friendly, approachable tutors committed to your success who will encourage you to use the College's extensive resources including computer facilities, library, private study areas and Careers & Counselling service.

If you wish to find out more you can contact Daniel Turner, Curriculum Leader in Level 2 Business, by emailing: daniel.turner@nscg.ac.uk

Upon successful completion of the course you will gain a widely recognised Level 2 qualification, the BTEC Level 2 Technical Certificate in Business Enterprise. A Merit or Distinction grade may allow you to progress onto Level 3 qualifications, an apprenticeship or employment.

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18. If you are outside this age group, please contact Charlotte Robertson on 01782 254141 or email charlotte.robertson@nscg.ac.uk.

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a household income under £26,000 can receive up to £20 per week financial support to help pay for travel and meals and meet the costs of essential trips, books, stationery and equipment. The payments will be subject to full attendance on your course. A range of other financial support is available, depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance