Free Level 1 Business and Retail Course in Watford. Classes run at TCHC Watford GAPS Centre, full-time during the day. This free business and retail course is open to young people aged 16 to 18 years old, and those aged 16 to 24 years old with an Education, Health and Care Plan. Over 343 hours, you'll build practical knowledge of retail operations, customer service, and business communication. The course also includes Functional Skills English and Maths at Level 2.
Who this course is for
Young people aged 16-18 (and 16-24 with an EHCP) who would like to gain a qualification in Business & Retail.
What you will learn
You'll develop communication skills for a workplace setting.
You'll learn how retail businesses operate and how teams contribute to their success.
You'll practise creating business documents and handling telephone calls.
You'll understand how to manage stock in a retail environment.
You'll study health and safety in the workplace.
You'll build customer service skills used in retail roles.
You'll explore entrepreneurship and what it means to start or run a business.
You'll work on applying for jobs, including how to present yourself to employers.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at the centre. Learning covers practical tasks, group work, and personal and social development sessions alongside the main business and retail content. Assessment is through the units that make up the Diploma, covering topics such as customer service, stock handling, and workplace communication. You'll also be assessed in Functional Skills English and Maths as part of the programme.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. TCHC Watford GAPS Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Sales assistant, serving customers and handling stock in a shop
Customer service advisor, supporting customers in retail or office settings
Stock room assistant, managing deliveries and inventory
Retail supervisor, overseeing a team on the shop floor
Office administrator, handling documents and communications
Receptionist, managing calls and front-of-house duties
What you could study next
Level 2 Business Administration Diploma. A natural next step that builds on the business skills from this course and is recognised for office and admin roles.
Level 2 Customer Service Qualification. Deepens your customer service knowledge for retail, hospitality, or contact centre work.
Functional Skills Maths and English Level 2. If you want to strengthen your qualifications for further study or employment, these are widely accepted as the GCSE equivalent.
