The content of this Pathway has been agreed by Instructus. This is the only Apprenticeship Pathway in the Business & Management sector approved for use in Wales that is eligible for Welsh Government funding.
Learning Programme Content
The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:
- Qualifications,
- Essential Skills
- On/off the job training
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Pathway Business Administration is 63 credits.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Pathway Business Administration is 76 credits.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 4 Pathway Business & Professional Administration is 115 credits.
Entry requirements
There are no mandatory entry requirements for this Apprenticeship Pathway. However employers are looking to attract applicants who have a keen interest in business and/or a particular interest in legal or medical administration careers. They expect applicants to demonstrate a "can do" attitude and have basic numeracy and literacy skills on which the apprenticeship will build.
Entrants will come from a diverse range of backgrounds and will come with a range of experience, age, personal achievements and, in some cases, prior qualifications and awards which may count towards the achievement of an apprenticeship programme. Examples include learners who have:
- held a position of responsibility at school or college; or
- undertaken work experience or a work placement; or
- completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award or similar award; or
- achieved GCSEs or A Levels; or
- achieved Regulatory Qualification Awards, Certificates or Diplomas; or
- completed a level 2 foundation apprenticeship from another sector (for level 3 apprenticeship applicants); or
- completed a level 3 apprenticeship from another sector (for higher apprenticeship applicants); or
- achieved a Business Administration and Finance Principal Learning Qualification as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Apprentices who are undertaking the Business Administration Level 3 Apprenticeship are likely to have some prior experience in a business or administration role, although this is not a formal requirement.
Apprentices who are undertaking the Business & Professional Administration Higher Apprenticeship are expected to have significant experience of working in a business role to ensure they have the suitable foundations on which to further build their knowledge and skills.
Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)
Level 2: Business Administration
Level 2: Business Administration Qualifications
Participants must achieve one of the following combined qualification(s) below.
| Level 2 Diploma in Business Administration | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| City & Guilds | C00/0640/3 601/3607/8 | 45 | 450 | Combined | English Only |
| Pearson | C00/0632/8 601/3405/7 | 45 | 450 | Combined | English-Welsh |
| Agored Cymru | C00/1231/1 | 45 | 450 | Combined | English-Welsh |
Please see Annex 1 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 2: Business Administration | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 1 | 6 |
| Application of number | 1 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 1 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Business Administration | 267 | 170 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Level 2 Business Administration - 45 credits / 437 hours (minimum) associated with the competence and knowledge element of the combined qualification.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Level 3: Business Administration
Level 3: Business Administration Qualifications
Participants must achieve one of the following combined qualification(s) below.
| Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| City & Guilds | C00/0640/4 601/3608/X | 58 | 580 | Combined | English Only |
| Pearson | C00/0632/9 601/3406/9 | 58 | 580 | Combined | English Only |
| Agored Cymru | C00/1231/2 | 58 | 580 | Combined | English-Welsh |
Please see Annex 2 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 3: Business Administration | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 2 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3: Business Administration | 310 | 224 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Level 3 Business Administration - 58 credits / 534 hours (minimum) associated with the competence and knowledge element of the combined
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Level 4: Business & Professional Administration
Level 4: Business & Professional Administration Qualifications
Participants must achieve one of the following competence and knowledge qualification(s) below.
| Level 4 Diploma in Business Administration | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| City & Guilds | C00/0640/5 601/3597/9 | 57 | 570 | Competence | English Only |
| Pearson | C00/0634/7 601/3425/2 | 57 | 570 | Competence | English-Welsh |
| Level 4 Diploma in Business Administration | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson Education Ltd | C00/0636/8 601/3499/9 | 42 | 420 | Knowledge | English only |
| HNC Business Management | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| University of Wales, Trinity Saint David (UWTSD | n/a | 120 | 1200 | Knowledge | English only |
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 4: Business & Professional Administration | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 2 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 4: Business & Professional Administration | 464 | 234 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Level 4 Business & Professional Administration - 115 credits / 698 hours Business & Professional Administration - Minimum of 57 credits for Competence qualification and 40 credits for Knowledge qualification
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Progression
Level 2: Business Administration
Progression into the Business Administration Foundation Apprenticeship:
Progression into this apprenticeship may be from a wide number of routes due to the varying backgrounds and past academic and work related experiences of apprentices. Such routes will include having:
- achieved Regulatory Qualification Awards, Certificates or Diplomas
- achieved a Principal Learning Qualification as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate in Business
- Administration and Finance, Retail Business, ICT or Public Services
- achieved GCSEs or A Levels.
Learners may also progress into the foundation apprenticeship without prior qualifications.
Progression from the Business Administration Foundation Apprenticeship Foundation apprentices, with support and opportunities in the workplace, can progress onto:
- the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Business Administration - general administrative, legal or medical pathways
- other level 3 apprenticeships such as customer service or management
- the Welsh Baccalaureate, including one of the Principal Learning Qualifications in a range of related sectors, such as business, administration and finance, information technology, public services and retail business
- further education to undertake management, business related or other qualifications.
With additional training, foundation apprentices may be able to progress in their careers to roles including administration executive, administration team leader, office supervisor, personal assistant, secretary or a wide range of other business and administration roles.
Level 3: Business Administration
Progression routes into the Business Administration Apprenticeship:
Progression into this apprenticeship may be from a wide number of routes due to the varying backgrounds and past academic and work related experiences of apprentices. Such routes will including having:
- achieved a Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Administration
- achieved Regulatory Qualification Awards, Certificates or Diplomas
- achieved one of the Principal Learning Qualifications as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate
- for Business Administration and Finance, IT, Retail Business or Public Services
- achieved GCSEs or A Levels.
Learners may also progress into the advanced apprenticeship without prior qualifications.
Most learners progressing into the Business Administration Apprenticeship have some prior experience in a business or administration job role, although this is not a formal requirement.
Learners who do not have any prior experience in a business or administration job role may be better suited to the Business Administration foundation Apprenticeship, although all individuals should be judged on their own merits, experiences and capabilities.
Progression from the Apprenticeship in Business Administration
Apprentices, with support and opportunities in the workplace, can progress onto:
- the Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Business & Professional Administration
- further or higher education to undertake business related or other qualifications, including Foundation Degrees in areas such as business, business management, and business
Level 4: Business & Professional Administration
Progression into the Business & Professional Administration Higher Apprenticeship
Progression into this higher apprenticeship may be from a wide number of routes due to the varying backgrounds and past academic and work related experiences of apprentices. Such routes will including having:
- achieved an apprenticeship in a wide range of sector specific areas
- achieved the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Business Administration
- achieved Regulatory Qualification Awards, Certificates or Diplomas in business or sector specific areas
- achieved GCSEs or A Levels.
Learners may also progress into the higher apprenticeship without prior qualifications.
It is expected that higher apprentices will have significant experience of working in a business role to ensure they have the suitable foundations on which to further build their knowledge and skills.
Progression from the Higher Apprenticeship in Business & Professional Administration Higher apprentices, with support and opportunities in the workplace, can progress onto:
- the Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in Leadership & Management
- further or higher education to undertake business related or other qualifications, including foundation degrees in areas such as business, business management, and business administration
- a range of business and management undergraduate programmes
- a range of business or management professional qualifications at level 5 and above
- further employment opportunities within their current job role/alternative job roles
- specialised qualifications providing additional technical knowledge
- possible membership of professional bodies.
With additional training, higher apprentices may be able to progress in their careers to roles including operations director, business development manager, company secretary or a wide range of managerial roles within business.
Equality and diversity
It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.
The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.
Training providers and employers must also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.
Although there are no statistics specifically covering Business Administration Apprenticeship ethnicity and diversity in Wales, a recent Institute for Employment Studies report suggests the apprenticeship is heavily dominated by female starters, whilst the ethnicity of apprentices is generally reflective of the population as a whole.
Possible reasons for the gender imbalance within the apprenticeship are related to perceptions, including the perception that administrative careers are mainly for women.
As the workforce and the customer base become more diverse, business and administration needs to reflect that diversity and manage it effectively. This requires not only sensitivity to issues such as ethnicity, culture, gender and disability, but a greater awareness of the potential for different and more creative approaches that diversity in general brings to the business.
In order to counteract some of these issues, awareness of business administration as a profession is being raised through:
- the Welsh Baccalaureate through the Principal Learning Qualifications in Business, Administration and Finance, IT and Public Services
- Teaching resources for schools.
Apprenticeships are seen as a vital route to encourage, and facilitate, a greater diversity of individuals into business and administration. Entry conditions into this Pathway do not discriminate against any individuals, with the Pathway being open and accessible to all potential apprentices. Mentoring is also promoted within the apprenticeship to provide additional support and increase the chances of apprentices staying.
Instructus Skills continues to monitor take up and achievement of all Apprenticeships through its Advisory Groups and continue to take steps to address any barriers to take up and achievement as part of its Qualification Strategy.
Employment responsibilities and rights
Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory. But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Training Provider and Employer to ensure that the requirements of this pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government Apprenticeships Guidance.
Further information may be obtained from: Welsh Government
Annex 1 Level 2: Business Administration
Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications
The Level 2 Diploma in Business Administration includes both knowledge and competence units.
A minimum total of 45 credits must be achieved to gain the qualification as follows:
All 21 credits must be achieved from mandatory Group M and a minimum of 14 credits must
be achieved from optional Group A. A maximum of 10 credits can only be achieved from
optional Group B and a maximum of 6 credits can only be achieved from optional Group C.
Mandatory Group M
Competence units
- Communication in a business environment H/506/1893 Unit credit value 3
- Manage personal performance and development L/506/1788 Unit credit value 4
- Develop working relationships with colleagues R/506/1789 Unit credit value 3
Knowledge units
- Principles of providing administrative services J/506/1899 Unit credit value 4
- Principles of business document production and information management T/506/1901
Unit credit value 3
- Understand employer organisations A/506/1964 Unit credit value 4
Optional Group A
- Health and safety in a business environment D/506/1794 Unit credit value 2
- Use a telephone and voicemail system K/506/1796 Unit credit value 2
- Meet and welcome visitors in a business environment A/506/1799 Unit credit value 2
- Manage diary systems L/506/1807 Unit credit value 2
- Produce business documents Y/506/1809 Unit credit value 3
- Collate and report data L/506/1810 Unit credit value 3
- Store and retrieve information R/506/1811 Unit credit value 4
- Produce minutes of meetings Y/506/1812 Unit credit value 3
- Handle mail D/506/1813 Unit credit value 3
- Provide reception services H/506/1814 Unit credit value 3
- Prepare text from notes using touch typing K/506/1815 Unit credit value 4
- Prepare text for shorthand M/506/1816 Unit credit value 6
- Prepare text from recorded audio instruction T/506/1817 Unit credit value 4
- Archive information T/506/1865 Unit credit value 3
- Maintain and issue stationery and supplies Y/506/2295 Unit credit value 3
- Use and maintain office equipment J/506/1868 Unit credit value 2
- Contribute to the organisation of an event L/506/1869 Unit credit value 3
- Organise business travel or accommodation D/506/1875 Unit credit value 4
- Provide administrative support for meetings H/506/1876Unit credit value 4
- Administer human resource records T/506/1879 Unit credit value 3
- Administer the recruitment and selection process A/506/1883 Unit credit value 3
- Administer parking dispensations R/506/1887 Unit credit value 3
- Administer finance R/506/1890 Unit credit value 4
- Buddy a colleague to develop their skills M/506/1895Unit credit value 3
- Employee rights and responsibilities L/506/1905 Unit credit value 2
- Develop a presentation K/506/1913 Unit credit value 3
- Deliver a presentation M/506/1914 Unit credit value 3
- Contribute to the development and implementation of an information system A/506/1916
Unit credit value 6
- Monitor information systems F/506/1917 Unit credit value 8
- Analyse and present business data M/506/1945 Unit credit value 6
Optional Group B
- Processing customers financial transactions F/601/8320 Unit credit value 4
- Deliver customer service A/506/2130 Unit credit value 5
- Process information about customers R/506/2134 Unit credit value 3
- Develop customer relationships Y/506/2149 Unit credit value 3
- Using email M/502/4300 Unit credit value 3
- Bespoke software F/502/4396 Unit credit value 3
- Data management software J/502/4559 Unit credit value 3
- Presentation software M/502/4622 Unit credit value 4
- Spreadsheet software F/502/4625 Unit credit value 4
- Website software R/502/4631 Unit credit value 4
- Word processing software R/502/4628 Unit credit value 4
- Participate in a project F/506/1934 Unit credit value 3
- Payroll processing T/505/1238 Unit credit value 5
Optional Group C
- Understand the use of research in business A/506/1818 Unit credit value 6
- Understand the legal context of business D/506/1939 Unit credit value 6
- Understand working in a customer service environment L/506/2083 Unit credit value 3
- Principles of team leading R/506/2294 Unit credit value 5
- Principles of equality and diversity in the workplace J/506/1806 Unit credit value 2
- Principles of customer relationships K/503/8194 Unit credit value 3 Principles of digital
- marketing D/502/9931 Unit credit value 5 Principles of marketing theory D/502/9928 Unit credit value 4
- Know how to publish, integrate and share using social media R/505/3515Unit credit value 5
- Understand the safe use of online and social media platforms L/505/3514 Unit credit value 4
You may need to supply the evidence requirements for Apprenticeship Completion certification if requested to do so by ACW.
Please note: those who have already achieved competence and/or knowledge qualifications prior to this Apprenticeship must select options which will equip them with new skills and learning.
Annex 2 Level 3: Business Administration
Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications
The Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration includes both knowledge and competence units.
A minimum total of 58 credits must be achieved to gain the qualification as follows:
27 credits from mandatory Group M units, a minimum of 13 credits from optional Group A
units. A maximum of 10 credits from optional Group B units. A maximum of 8 credits from optional Group C units.
Mandatory Group M
Competence units
- Communication in a business environment Y/506/1910 Unit credit value 4
- Manage personal and professional development T/506/2952 Unit credit value 3
Knowledge units
- Principles of business communication and information R/506/1940 Unit credit value 4
- Principles of administration Y/506/1941 Unit credit value 6
- Principles of business D/506/1942 Unit credit value 10
Optional Group A
Competence Units
- Contribute to the improvement of business performance D/506/1911 Unit credit value 6
- Negotiate in a business environment H/506/1912 Unit credit value 4
- Develop a presentation K/506/1913 Unit credit value 3
- Deliver a presentation M/506/1914 Unit credit value 3
- Create bespoke business documents T/506/1915 Unit credit value 4
- Contribute to the development and implementation of an information system A/506/1916 45 Unit credit value 6
- Monitor information systems F/506/1917 Unit credit value 8
- Evaluate the provision of business travel or accommodation J/506/1918 Unit credit value 5
- Provide administrative support in schools L/506/1919 Unit credit value 5
- Administer parking and traffic challenges, representations and civil parking appeals F/506/1920 Unit credit value 5
- Administer statutory parking and traffic appeals R/506/1923Unit credit value 6
- Administer parking and traffic debt recovery T/506/1932 Unit credit value 5
- Administer legal files J/506/1935 Unit credit value 5
- Build legal case files L/506/1936 Unit credit value 5
- Manage legal case files Y/506/1938 Unit credit value 5
- Manage an office facility K/506/1944 Unit credit value 4
- Analyse and present business data M/506/1945 Unit credit value 6
- Produce business documents Y/506/1809 Unit credit value 3
- Store and retrieve information R/506/1811 Unit credit value 4
- Produce minutes of meetings Y/506/1812 Unit credit value 3
- Handle mail D/506/1813 Unit credit value 3
- Prepare text from shorthand M/506/1816 Unit credit value 6
- Prepare text from recorded audio instruction T/506/1817 Unit credit value 4
- Maintain and issue stationery and supplies Y/506/2295 Unit credit value 3
- Contribute to the organisation of an event L/506/1869 Unit credit value 3
- Organise business travel or accommodation D/506/1875 Unit credit value 4
- Provide administrative support for meetings H/506/1876 Unit credit value 4
- Administer human resource records T/506/1879 Unit credit value 3
- Administer the recruitment and selection process A/506/1883 Unit credit value 3
- Administer parking dispensations R/506/1887 Unit credit value 3
- Administer finance R/506/1890 Unit credit value 4
- Buddy a colleague to develop their skills M/506/1895 Unit credit value 3
- Employee rights and responsibilities L/506/1905 Unit credit value 2
- Support environmental sustainability in a business environment R/506/1954 Unit credit value 4
- Resolve administrative problems D/506/1956 Unit credit value 6
- Prepare specifications for contracts H/506/1957 Unit credit value 4
- Prepare text from notes using touch typing K/506/1815 Unit credit value 4
Optional Group B
Competence Units
- Organise and deliver customer service L/506/2150 Unit credit value 5
- Resolve customers’ complaints R/506/2151 Unit credit value 4
- Bespoke Software J/502/4397 Unit credit value 4
- Spreadsheet Software J/502/4626 Unit credit value 6
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace T/506/1820 Unit credit value 3
- Manage team performance A/506/1821 Unit credit value 4
- Manage individuals’ performance J/506/1921 Unit credit value 4
- Manage individuals’ development in the workplace L/506/1922 Unit credit value 3
- Chair and lead meetings Y/506/1924 Unit credit value 3
- Encourage innovation J/506/2292 Unit credit value 4
- Procure products and/or services M/506/1928 Unit credit value 5
- Implement change T/506/1929 Unit credit value 5
- Implement and maintain business continuity plans and processes K/506/1930 Unit credit value 4
- Participate in a project F/506/1934 Unit credit value 3
- Using email T/502/4301 Unit credit value 3
- Database Software T/502/4556 Unit credit value 6
- Presentation Software T/502/4623 Unit credit value 6
- Word Processing Software Y/502/4629 Unit credit value 6
- Website Software Y/502/4632 Unit credit value 5
- Develop and maintain professional networks J/506/1949 Unit credit value 3
- Develop and implement an operational plan Y/506/1955 Unit credit value 5
- Manage physical resources K/506/1989 Unit credit value 4
- Prepare for and support quality audits K/506/1992 Unit credit value 3
- Manage a budget A/506/1995 Unit credit value 4
- Manage a project R/506/1999 Unit credit value 7
- Manage business risk L/506/2004 Unit credit value 6
- Recruitment, selection and induction practice R/506/2909 Unit credit value 6
Optional Group C
Knowledge Units
- Understand the customer service environment Y/506/2152 Unit credit value 5
- Principles of digital marketing and research F/502/9937 Unit credit value 7
- Principles of marketing stakeholder relationships J/502/9938 Unit credit value 3
- Principles of market research K/502/9933 Unit credit value 5
- Principles of leadership and management D/506/1925 Unit credit value 8
- Principles of Social Media within a Business R/503/9324 Unit credit value 6
- Principles of marketing and evaluation T/502/9935 Unit credit value 7
You may need to supply the evidence requirements for Apprenticeship Completion certification if requested to do so by ACW.
Please note: those who have already achieved competence and/or knowledge qualifications prior to this Apprenticeship must select options which will equip them with new skills and learning.