Free Level 1 Business and Retail Course in Harlow. Classes run full-time at Harlow College, five days a week during the day. The course is free if you are 16 to 18 years old. Over one year, you will work through business and employability projects covering communication, retail, digital marketing, visual merchandising, and enterprise. You will build a portfolio of work that develops practical skills valued across business and retail roles. The course can also lead to a Level 2 business qualification if you want to continue studying.
Who this course is for
This course will give students the potential opportunity to progress to the level 2 qualification in business, or to develop skills that will be valuable in a variety of full-time employment opportunities.
What you will learn
You'll develop communication skills for a work environment.
You'll learn how businesses and retail operations function day to day.
You'll explore digital marketing and how businesses use social media.
You'll study visual merchandising and how products are presented to customers.
You'll develop enterprise skills, including how to generate and present business ideas.
You'll practise interview skills and employability techniques.
You'll build a portfolio of project work across core and optional business topics.
How you will learn
All units are assessed by coursework. Work is split into projects of different sizes, completed throughout the year. Each project contains a number of modules, all of which must be passed to complete the project. You will build up a portfolio as you go. Teaching takes a project-based approach, combining core modules with a choice of optional topics.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Harlow College will confirm anything else you need before you start. Note that a £75 deposit is required toward a college iPad, though bursary options are available. Costs for any educational trips or workshops will be communicated during the year.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Retail assistant. Supporting customers and managing stock in a retail setting.
Business administrator. Handling day-to-day admin tasks in an office or business.
Marketing assistant. Supporting campaigns, social media, and promotional activity.
Finance assistant. Processing transactions and supporting financial record-keeping.
HR assistant. Helping with recruitment, records, and staff support.
Self-employed or freelance. Running your own business or working as a contractor.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Business and Retail. The natural next step after this course, building on what you have learned and opening more job options.
Level 2 Diploma in Business Administration. Focuses on office and admin skills for a wide range of employers.
Level 2 Award in Retail Skills. A more focused route if you want to specialise in retail work.
