Level 1 · Gateway Qualifications · Full-Time · 1 Year
Brand new for September 2026, and the perfect place to start if you want to work in business but are not sure exactly where yet. You'll try different areas of business and retail, build the skills that any workplace needs (communication, working with others, handling real tasks), and finish ready to step up to Level 2. No qualifications needed to get on. Just an interest in how business works.
New for September 2026. A supported first step into business, with a clear route to Level 2.
Other courses you might be interested in:
Level 2 Level 2 Business Support CG Diploma
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This course is about giving you a taste of business and retail and the everyday skills that make you useful in any workplace. You’ll cover communication skills for work, handling mail, handling telephone calls, health and safety in the workplace, and supporting business meetings. Practical, work-focused, and right at the level of “I want to work in business, I am just working out where.”
Local employers get involved too. You may get some work experience, sessions with industry experts, and real exercises set by people working in business. You’ll build a Portfolio of Evidence as you go, and by the end of the year you’ll be ready to move up to a Level 2 Business Support or Business Administration programme.
Build a portfolio of evidence showcasing your skills and achievements throughout the course.
Business sales executives provide advice to existing and potential customers, and receive orders for specialist machinery, equipment, materials and other products or services that require technical knowledge.
Job holders in this unit group are responsible for recording, filing and disseminating information for a business, organisation or individual.
Job holders in this unit group advise on the formulation and implementation of policy in the public and private sectors, develop and implement substantial business, statistical and administrative systems, and […]
Office supervisors oversee operations and directly supervise and coordinate the activities of those carrying out general administrative and clerical work and performing specialist administrative and clerical duties in relation to […]
You'll study in business classrooms designed to feel like professional workplaces, with strong support from tutors who've worked in business themselves.
Business Classrooms
Set up to simulate professional working environments, so you learn the way real workplaces run.
Tutors With Real Business Backgrounds
Our tutors have been employees, managers, directors and business owners. Real, lived experience of the working world.
Local Employer Involvement
Work experience, sessions with industry experts, and real exercises set by people in business.
Student Voice
This course has helped me improve my communication and computer skills, make new friends, and feel more confident about finding a job with my qualification. The lecturers are really kind and help with everything.
Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeIf your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportIf your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.
About learning supportLevel
Level 1
Duration
1 Year
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
Gateway Qualifications
Entry
No formal entry requirements (interview)
Assessment
Portfolio
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk