What is the purpose of this qualification?
Learners do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this qualification. It is available to learners of any age, however it is anticipated that it will be of specific relevance to
• Young people interested in a career in the office professionals sector who intend, but are not yet ready, to access level 2 qualifications or a level 2 apprenticeship
• Young people and adults, including those who have had a significant break from or disjointed experience of education, who wish to work in the office professionals sector but need a grounding in the subject and an opportunity to develop more general workplace skills, usually over a one year period, before applying for work
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
This qualification provides a range of introductory skills, as well as core knowledge, relevant to office professionals, alongside generic employability skills which are needed both in the office professionals sector and across other sectors. Mandatory units include:
• Working in Business and Administration
• Effective Communication in the Workplace
Optional units include knowledge and skills relevant to different job roles in the sector (such as handling mail, databases, career progression).
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
This qualification is part of a suite which includes an Award, Certificate and Diploma. Learners should take the Certificate if they need a broad introduction to the sector, as well as more generic workplace skills, before progressing to employment (with further training where possible), to a level 2 Apprenticeship or to a Level 2 qualification, as illustrated in the target learner profiles provided above.
Which sector does this qualification support?
This qualification could lead to an entry-level role in office professionals such as administrative assistant, secretary, audio transcriber.
How will this qualification support the learner’s independence?
Learners can progress to a Level 2 certificate or diploma in Office Professionals, including Gateway Qualifications’ Level 2 Certificate and Diploma in Skills for Office Professionals, as well as Level 2 Business Administration or Accounting qualifications.
Progression & entry requirements
Learners do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this
qualification. It is available to learners of any age, however it is anticipated that it will be of specific relevance to:
• Young people interested in a career in the office professionals sector who intend, but are not yet ready, to access level 2 qualifications or a level 2 apprenticeship.
• Young people and adults, including those who have had a significant break from or disjointed experience of education, who wish to work in the office professionals sector but need a grounding in the subject and an opportunity to develop more general workplace skills, usually over a one year period, before applying for work.
