Free Level 1 Business and Retail Course in Ipswich. Classes run full-time during the day at Suffolk New College. The course runs for one year and focuses on practical skills you can demonstrate in real tasks, covering both business and retail contexts. You'll develop transferable skills alongside sector-specific knowledge, with an emphasis on what you can do rather than theory alone. To join, you'll need two GCSEs at Grade 1 including maths and/or English, or show the ability to work at Level 1 in an initial assessment.
Who this course is for
The study programme is designed around practical skills and tasks that place an emphasis on learners demonstrating what they can do rather than what they know in theory. The qualifications give learners the opportunity to acquire and develop generic, transferable and sector-specific skills in order to complete tasks and demonstrate a level of achievement that enables them to progress to further learning.
Entry requirements
Two GCSEs at Grade 1 including maths and/or English, or demonstrate the ability to work towards Level 1 in maths and English in an assessment.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical retail skills used in everyday workplace tasks.
You'll build transferable business skills that apply across different roles and industries.
You'll learn how to complete tasks and demonstrate achievement in a business or retail setting.
You'll gain sector-specific knowledge relevant to working in retail or business environments.
You'll practise skills in a way that prepares you for further study or entry-level work.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom based and built around practical tasks rather than theory-heavy study. You'll be assessed on what you can do, demonstrating your skills through tasks and activities. The programme is structured to show your level of achievement as you progress through each unit, with assessment ongoing throughout the year rather than in a single exam.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Suffolk New College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Sales assistant, serving customers and handling transactions in a shop
Retail supervisor, supporting a team on the shop floor
Stock room assistant, managing deliveries and organising stock
Customer service advisor, handling queries in a retail or business setting
Office administrator, supporting day-to-day business operations
Checkout operator, processing sales in a supermarket or retail store
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Retail Skills, a natural next step that builds on your Level 1 business and retail qualification and opens more job roles.
Level 2 Business Administration qualification, useful if you want to move into an office or admin-based role.
Functional Skills Maths and English at Level 2, which many employers and Level 3 courses ask for alongside a vocational qualification.
