First steps to Self-Employment

Overview

Do you like the idea of becoming self-employed but don’t know where to start? Would you like to become your own boss and work for yourself? Do you have a hobby that you would like to turn into a business? If so, this could be the course for you. You will also achieve an Entry 3 Award in Occupational Studies in the Workplace, which you could add to your CV.

This course will provide you with an insight into the pros and cons of self-employment. It will help you to realise if this is the right career path for you. You will discover ways in which to market your business and identify what resources you will need to carry out the work that you choose to do. You will learn how to access available finances and understand your responsibilities, including paying tax and insurances. and be introduced to developing your business plan.

Throughout the course there will be discussion forums to share information and ideas from personal knowledge and research. To help you develop an understanding of the subject matter, there will be worksheets and questionnaires to complete, which will be compiled to create a portfolio of work for the Entry 3 Award.

Entry requirements

You should be over 19 years old (although we can sometimes accept those aged 16+), must have an interest in the topic and a commitment to completing the full course and qualification.

Assessment criteria

You will create a portfolio of work through the compilation of worksheets that you have completed throughout the course and notes on discussions. 

What do I need?

Ideally you will need access to the internet to help with undertaking research.

You will find a pen/pencil or notebook useful. You may be expected to carry out some additional tasks in your own time.

What can I do next?

After successfully completing the course, you can go on to study a higher-level course, or entry to employment.