BTEC Skills for the Working Office (Using Assistive Technology)

Skills for the Working Office (Using Assistive Technology)
The Skills for the Working Office programme is a level 2 qualification. It was specifically developed by RNC to address the skills required by someone with sight loss working in an office environment (using assistive technology). The qualification is accredited by BTEC.

How can we help?
This unique programme looks at:

• Fulfilling a need for blind and partially sighted people to gain a qualification which recognises the skills involved in using assistive technology
• Raising employer awareness and lead to increased employment opportunities
• Offering an individualised qualification suited to the skills of the trainee with sight loss and needs of the employer
• Enhancing employability skills

What could I study?
The qualification is available at three levels:

• Award - this is achieved by attaining four core units
• Certificate - this is achieved through attaining four core units, plus three optional units
• Diploma - this is achieved through five core units, plus five optional units

Dependant upon which level of the qualification you are studying, the units are:

• Word processing 1 - using assistive technology
• Communicate information using emails with assistive technology
• Telephone techniques
• Health and safety in the workplace
• Preparation for employment
• Office skills
• Business communication
• Spreadsheets using assistive technology
• Customer service and effective working relationships

Mix and match
Where you see this symbol, you can study the unit with other subject areas, alongside your core programme. Please ask during your assessment for further information if you would like to 'mix and match' your programme.

Qualification?
When you come for assessment we will work with you to identify the appropriate start date, duration, level of study and content which will help you achieve your personal and employment goals.

Work Placements?
Work placement opportunities can be arranged to help you gain practical experience, ideally within an organisation in your home area. To prepare you for this you will work within the College's Training Office, gaining administrative skills before progressing onto an internal work placement within one of RNC's busy teams (i.e. Marketing, Fundraising, Sales, the General Office or the Access Centre.)

What next?
Every business needs people with competent office skills, so you could use the qualification to start job hunting. The interpersonal and office skills learnt throughout this qualification ensure that there are many streams of employment that may progress into - at the heart of every business are skilled people carrying out essential administrative office duties. Alternatively, you may decide to progress onto a further qualification in a related area, e.g. an NVQ in Administration or Customer Service.