Free Entry Level Using Employability Skills. Work-based training at your workplace. You learn while gaining hands-on work experience, combining practical skills with an entry level using employability skills qualification over around 8 months. The course runs across three areas: bicycle mechanics and retail, catering and customer service, and horticulture and market gardening. There are no entry requirements. You'll come away with the NOCN Entry Level using employability skills certificate, recognised as evidence of workplace readiness.
Who this course is for
Young people who want to gain work experience and an Employability Skills qualification in one of the following areas:
Bicycle Mechanics and Retail
Catering and Customer Service
Horticulture and Market Gardening
Entry requirements
No entry requirements.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills in your chosen work area: catering, horticulture, or bicycle mechanics.
You'll learn how to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues.
You'll build understanding of workplace expectations and professional behaviour.
You'll practise working as part of a team in a real work setting.
You'll develop problem-solving skills relevant to your job role.
You'll learn how to manage your time and responsibilities at work.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in a work setting. You'll build a portfolio of evidence from your day-to-day tasks and activities on the job. Assessment is based on what you do and produce at work, supported by observation and review of your evidence. There are no exams.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Milton Keynes Christian Foundation will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Kitchen assistant: support food preparation and service in a catering setting.
Market stall or garden centre assistant: practical growing and retail work.
Bicycle mechanic: basic repairs and customer-facing retail support.
Customer service assistant: front-of-house or retail customer contact roles.
Warehouse or stock room assistant: goods handling and basic retail operations.
What you could study next
Level 1 Award or Certificate in Employability Skills: builds on this Entry Level foundation with more complex workplace tasks.
Level 1 Functional Skills in English and Maths: strengthens core skills that many employers ask for.
Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles: a next step if you're working in catering and want to go further in that sector.
Level 2 NVQ in Customer Service: recognised by employers in retail and hospitality.
