Free Level 1 Enterprise Skills Course in Dover. Classes run full-time during the day at Woodpecker Court. The course runs over 12 months and is built around your individual needs, with a flexible approach that keeps your learning and next steps at the centre. You'll develop the enterprise skills and personal qualities that employers and further education look for, including resilience, responsibility, and the ability to reflect on your own progress. This free enterprise skills course for adults and school leavers covers both practical life skills and the foundations of enterprise thinking.
Who this course is for
The curriculum is reflective of the needs of the student, the bespoke nature of Woodpecker Court enables a degree of flexibility to ensure that we remain holistic and focused upon their learning journey. Many of our students have had a previous fragmented education, our envisaged end point for them is when they are deemed to be resilient, reflective, responsible as well as respectful while being academically functional for both life and onward destination. We encourage our students to be reflective every day throughout their learning journey. We achieve this by implementing opportunities where students can reflect on their day by running a morning and afternoon briefing based under our parachute. From a teaching and learning perspective, it is essential lesson planning includes the use of starter and plenary activities to highlight key points of learning, which will encourage students to retain knowledge. Students who embark on a learning journey at Woodpecker Court will become flexible in their working nature. The curriculum offers opportunities to learn new skills within our bespoke environment working closely with our animals, caring for the woodland, and learning how to be take responsibility for the provision and greater community. We build resilience in all of students, whether that be working in a range of challenging weather conditions, to being taught how to overcome mistakes with woodwork projects in our workshop, to undertaking a range of sensitive PSHE qualifications. Students will be given guidance to see positives in every challenge they face. The curriculum aspires to set “there is no ceiling...seek the stairs” approach for every student and any barriers they face are seen as an opportunity to learn. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to stretch and challenge themselves, no matter how big or small the outcome.
What you will learn
You'll develop resilience and the ability to manage setbacks.
You'll build skills in self-reflection and taking responsibility for your own actions.
You'll explore enterprise thinking and how to apply it in work and everyday life.
You'll practise communication and teamwork skills valued by employers.
You'll learn how to set goals and plan steps toward them.
You'll develop the personal skills needed for further study or employment.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom based, with a bespoke and flexible approach tailored to your individual needs. Your programme is shaped around your starting point and your goals. Assessment is built into your learning journey, with your progress reviewed regularly to make sure you're developing the skills and knowledge the qualification requires.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Woodpecker Court will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Sales assistant - using enterprise and communication skills on the shop floor.
Customer service advisor - applying problem-solving and people skills.
Admin assistant - organising, planning, and supporting a team.
Retail team member - working independently and taking initiative.
Warehouse operative - responsible, reliable work in a structured environment.
Apprentice in business or retail - a practical route into a recognised trade.
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate in Business Administration - builds on enterprise skills for office and business roles.
Level 2 Award in Employability Skills - strengthens your CV and job-readiness.
Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths - supports entry to further training or employment where these are required.
A vocational Level 2 qualification in your chosen sector, such as retail, health and social care, or IT.
