What is the purpose of this qualification?
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the core knowledge, understanding and confidence required to meet the expectations of working within the business and administration sector. The qualification provides learners with the opportunity to develop their English, Maths and employability skills through optional units, helping them build transferable skills and supporting their progression into employment.
The qualification is designed for learners preparing to enter the business and administration workforce, as well as those already in support roles who wish to develop their knowledge and skills. It also supports learners who wish to progress to further study. Learners will develop an in-depth understanding of industry practices, professional behaviour and key business functions and the wider skills needed to contribute confidently and consistently across a range of business and administration settings.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
The aim of this qualification is to introduce learners to the key principles and practices in business and administration, providing essential knowledge and skills to support working effectively in diverse business environments.
The objectives of the qualification are to provide learners with the opportunity to:
• develop comprehensive knowledge and skills for effective and professional practice across varied business and administration environments
• explore the organisational principles, processes and legislative frameworks that inform effective business operations and understand their implications for decision‑making, compliance and organisational success
• deepen understanding of the essential roles, responsibilities and functions, recognising how these contribute to productivity, workflow management and organisational objectives
• strengthen the skills and behaviours required to engage effectively with colleagues, customers and wider stakeholders and to support collaborative, customer‑focused and accountable working practices
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, before progressing to employment (with further training where possible), to a level 3 Apprenticeship or to a Level 3 qualification, they need an extended introduction to the sector including the opportunity to build up a range of skills and knowledge, explore a number of potential job roles and career pathways in the sector, and gain a set of more generic workplace skills. The Diploma will be suitable for learners who would benefit from an extended period of time working at level 2, up to 2 years, before they are ready to progress to employment or to a level 3 qualification or apprenticeship.
Which sector does this qualification support?
This qualification could lead to a number of roles in business and administration such as administrative assistant, customer service agent, clerk.
What are the progression options?
Learners can progress to a Level 3 certificate or diploma in Business and Administration or to a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Business and Administration in any of the available pathways.
Progression & entry requirements
There are no specific prior skills/knowledge learners must have for this qualification, however learners will benefit from having English and Maths skills at level 1.
Centres must ensure that learners have the correct information and advice when selecting qualifications to ensure that the qualification will meet their needs.
Centres must ensure that this qualification suits the age and abilities of their learners by ensuring that learners can meet the relevant literacy, numeracy, digital, and health and safety requirements of the qualification.
Learners enrolled on this qualification should not undertake another qualification at the same level with a similar title or content, as this could impact funding eligibility due to duplicated learning.
On completion of this qualification, learners will be equipped with a broad introduction to the business and administration sector, equipping learners with underpinning knowledge and skills specific to the sector alongside a range of transferable employability skills.
Successful completion of the Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Diploma in Business could allow learners to progress onto:
• Level 3 Certificate in Business and Administration
• Level 3 Diploma in Business and Administration
• Level 3 Technical level (T Level) in Management and Administration
• Access to Higher Education Diploma in Business Management
• advanced apprenticeship in Business and Administration
• employment roles in Business and Administration, for example, Administrative Assistant, Customer Service Assistant
A full in-depth careers information, advice and guidance session should be completed for learners before, during and after completion of learning, finding them the most appropriate progression pathways unique to them and based on their ability and aspirations.
