Skip to content

Business Introductory

Course Code: IBL1
  • Level: 1
  • Qualification: Diploma
  • Awarding body: Pearson, Business & Technology Education Council (BTEC)
  • Duration: One year
  • Course type: Full-time
  • When you'll study: Three days per week
Apply now Career Coach
image

What's it all about?

The BTEC Level 1 Introductory in Business provides a practical, hands-on foundation for anyone looking to take their first steps into the professional world. Designed with a focus on “learning by doing,” this course helps you develop the essential transferable skills such as teamwork, digital communication, and personal organisation, that UK employers value most. You will explore the fundamental building blocks of how organisations operate, from identifying customer needs to understanding how branding works in the real world. By the end of the course, you won’t just have a qualification; you’ll have gained the confidence and a portfolio of work ready to progress to level 2 study, an Apprenticeship, or your first entry-level role.

Course information

During the one-year course, you will study the following; 

Core Professional Skills 
These units focus on making you “work-ready” and are essential for any career path: 
  • Being Organised: Learning how to manage your time, meet deadlines, and keep track of your resources.
  • Working with Others: Developing teamwork skills, from active listening to supporting your colleagues. 
  • Researching a Topic: Understanding how to find, check, and use information effectively. 
  • Developing a Personal Progression Plan: Mapping out your future goals and the steps you need to take to reach them. 
Business Sector Units 
These units dive into the specifics of the industry: 
  • Branding a Product: Discovering how companies create an identity and stand out from competitors.
  •  Presenting a Business Idea: Building the confidence to pitch your own concepts clearly and professionally.
  • Recording Income and Expenditure: A simple introduction to basic business finance and bookkeeping.
  • Communicating with Customers: Learning how to handle enquiries and provide excellent service, both face-to-face and digitally.
  • Organising a Meeting: Taking charge of the logistics, from sending invites to taking minutes. 
Your study programme will also include: 
  • English and maths (depending on your GCSEs)
  • work experience 
  • tutorial. 

In our experience in order to be successful on this level of course you will need to have achieved, or be working towards, Functional Skills L1 or L2 Maths and English, or alternatively achieved GCSE Maths and English at grade 2 or above.  

Rather than focusing solely on theory, the certificate emphasises “learning by doing,” with assessments typically involving a portfolio of assignments, project work, and practical demonstrations. 

  • 100% Coursework: There are no formal exams for the business units. You are assessed through portfolios, posters, role-plays, and practical demonstrations. 
  • Grading: You can achieve a Pass, Merit, or Distinction for each unit. 
  • Integrated Learning: Maths and English functional skills or GCSE forms part of your weekly timetable to ensure you have the full toolkit for employment. 

On completion of this qualification, students build the foundational knowledge and confidence needed to progress to higher-level study, such as a Level 2 BTEC First Certificate in Business, an Apprenticeship, or to enter entry-level employment in the business administration and retail industries.

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

Download course PDF

Future careers

What you could earn:

Chartered and Certified Accountants

£81,451.08

Potential salary

£20,251.72

Entry level salary

£43,412.00

Average salary

18

Annual openings in Plymouth

View career details

Related courses

Management & Leadership

  • Level: 5
  • Qualification: Certificate
  • Awarding body: Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
  • Duration: 15 weeks
  • Course type: Part-time

Introduction to Business

  • Level: 1
  • Qualification: BTEC Certificate
  • Awarding body: Pearson
  • Duration: One year
  • Course type: Full-time

Business Improvement (AI Essentials)

  • Level: 2
  • Qualification: Certificate
  • Awarding body: CompTIA
  • Duration: One day
  • Course type: Short course
View all courses

Book an open day and come visit us!

Come and visit us on one of our college open days, where you can find out more about our courses, check out our facilities and speak to current students and staff.

Book an open day
image