Business Skills - Level 1 Award (AAT)

The AAT Award in Business Skills offers students the opportunity to develop key practical skills used in every business as a route into employment. On completion of this qualification, you will also be equipped with a strong foundation from which to progress to further study with AAT in either accountancy or bookkeeping.

This qualification will suit students with minimal work experience and those who require additional support to progress. This may include younger learners, those on traineeships seeking basic employability skills, and adults seeking to validate their existing skills to enter into the workplace.

For the best chance of success, we recommend that you begin your studies with basic English. Basic numeracy will be developed within this qualification so is not required before starting this course.

Units include:

• Preparing for Work
• Using Numbers in Business
• Sales and Purchases in Business

You will develop an understanding of how different organisations operate across both the public and private sectors and learn how to contribute effectively in the workplace by working with others, managing their time, behaving professionally and maintaining the security of data. You will also develop the skills to identify jobs that match your skills and abilities and to apply for a job using an application form or CV. Other skills developed will be basic numerical skills needed in the workplace, and in life outside work. These numerical skills range from simple calculations that are used in business, to working with decimals, percentages and fractions, and applying proportions and ratios.

Mathematics for accounting:

• Understanding and developing skills in a range of basic mathematical functions using financial data.
• Understanding basic mathematical concepts and applying a range of numerical skills required by financial professionals.

Essential accounting procedures:

• Applying basic accounting terminology to business documents and procedures.
• Understanding the principles of single-entry accounting systems, including preparing to record business transactions in the books of prime entry.
• Identify types of coding and batch control.
• Preparing documents to process receipts and payments.
• Preparing a basic profit statement.

Creating business documents:

• Understanding which documents should be used within the accountancy function and other areas of business.
• Understanding the importance of good quality communications, including knowledge of formal and informal written communications.
• Identifying different types of business documents and understanding why it is important to choose the right style for internal and external communications.

Accounting in a professional environment:

• Understanding how efficient working practices and personal development will help both individuals and businesses to succeed.
• Appreciating how the legal framework and ethical behaviour affect the way a business is run.

If you are currently seeking employment and looking for strong new skills to take to the workplace, English is your second language and you want to build on your business communication skills or if you are looking to complete a short qualification before committing to a larger study programme then this course is for you.

You will need:

• Functional Skills Entry 3 (Reading and Writing)
• Functional Skills Entry 3 Maths

There is one assessment for all four units and it is computer-based.

Adults - ENTRY LEVEL/LEVEL 2

This course may be free if you meet certain conditions:

• If you are not working or have a low income. You need to show proof of your income or benefits.
• Residency rules apply. You need to show you have permission to live, work and study in the UK without conditions.
• There are some exceptions, such as certain visa types.

Check here which documents you need to show us and which visa types are allowed.

If you do not meet the residency rules, you can still enrol on the course, but you may have to pay some fees. All applicants are fee-assessed during enrolment.

If you are not eligible for a free or reduced-cost course, you need to pay the full fee.

Some courses have other additional costs, such as for specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

Learners will be required to pay AAT membership fees of £47 directly to the awarding body once enrolled onto the programme.

This course will help you to move on to higher level courses, or into employment in roles in business and accounting.