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It is anticipated the Apprenticeship will take approximately two years to complete, however, there is some flexibility, dependent upon the individual’s progress.

    The programme outcomes will be:
  • NVQ2 in Business Administration
  • Level 2 Certificate in Business Administration
  • Level 1 Application of Number – Key Skills
  • Level 2 Communication – Key Skills
  • Employment Rights and Responsibilities

Apprentices will spend one day per week at College and four days per week in the workplace. The work must be in an administrative environment, in order to fulfil the competencies of the NVQ. Assessment will include a complementary mix of portfolio building, which is continuously assessed, and some final examinations.

How can an Apprenticeship programme beneft your business?

    Thousands of employers now appreciate the financial and practical benefits of apprenticeships, including:
  • The chance to recruit and develop new staff
  • Government funding to support their investment in the programme
  • Committed employees with the practical skills their business needs
  • Programmes tailored to employer needs and standard operating procedures
  • Support from and networking with one of the country’s outstanding (OFSTED) Colleges

The Business and Administration pathway will ensure apprentices achieve valuable, transferable IT and administrative skills, that are key for any modern administrative environment.

How will an Apprenticeship programme develop your staff?

    Apprentices will benefit from:
  • Valuable work experience, support and the chance to build skills essential to the job and future career goals
  • Financial support while learning
  • The chance to achieve a national standard and hold recognised qualifications
  • Group and one-to-one tutoring and assessment in the workplace and at College, to suit the learners needs, style and work role
  • The opportunity to gain skills in application of number and communication, relevant to employment and career

The Business Administration programme will help apprentices develop valuable personal skills, including analysing, decision making, communication skills, working safely and personal presentation.

What are the entry requirements?

    To enrol on this scheme, applicants must:
  • Be aged between 16 and 18
  • Have completed general education and gained a minimum of four GCSEs, including two at grade D or above, a grade C or above in English Language and Grade E or above in Maths
  • Employed in a suitable role to fulful the NVQ competencies

The number of hours worked will vary by employer, however, all apprentices will need to be able to attend the college on a scheduled day each week. Candidates will need to apply using the South Downs College Apprenticeship Enquiry form. Potential apprentices will be interviewed by College staff to determine if the programme is their best career option. Any offers would be subject to satisfactory references.

What is the course content?

    To achieve the NVQ2 in Business and Administration and the Level 2 Certificate in Business Administration, apprentices will study how to:
  • carry out their responsibilities at work
  • work within the relevant business environment
  • maintain customer relations
  • deal with visitors
  • store, retrieve and archive information
  • use a telephone system
  • operate office equipment
  • produce documents
  • work effectively with other people

The Level 2 Certificate in Business and Administration comprises two assessed units, and will form the Technical Certificate requirement of the apprenticeship. These units will be used to support the underpinning knowledge for the NVQ.

To support the Business and Administration pathway, apprentices will also study Key Skills, Application of Number Level 1 and Communications Level 2, and Employees Rights and Responsibilities. These programmes will be delivered and assessed as part of the day release programme.

What are the progression opportunities?

    Apprentices may move on to further training at a higher level. Progression routes include the following part- time courses:
  • Business Administration, Level 3
  • AS Business Studies
  • AAT Foundation Accounting
  • Computerised Accounting and Book-keeping

What costs are involved?

Tuition and assessment costs are funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), direct to the College.

The employer is expected to remunerate the apprentice. Rates of pay are determined by the employer based on the hours worked and conditions of employment, however, the LSC requires that employers pay the apprentice a minimum wage, currently £95 per week.

Apprentices are expected to fund their own travel costs.

For further information or to request an application form, please contact:
Julie Walker, Business Training Unit
Tel: 023 9279 4661 or email: jwalker@southdowns.ac.uk