PART-TIME COURSES
* Fees are chargeable each year and the fees quoted will be for the current year only, if the course is more than 1 year further fees will be due next year.
Introduction to Self-Employment is a practical course designed to help adult learners explore what it takes to run their own business. Learners will develop an understanding of self-employment, including the advantages and challenges, business planning, budgeting, marketing and legal responsibilities. The course encourages learners to build confidence, identify their personal strengths and develop ideas for a viable business. Through group discussion, practical activities, guest speakers and business planning tasks, learners gain real-world insight into self-employment and enterprise. Learners will leave the course with their own business plan to develop and take forward. The programme supports employability, independence and progression within a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Classes will take place at the Gateway Adult and Community Education Centre, Shrewsbury.
October: Tuesday – Thursday, 10.00-14.00, 20th- 22nd October
December: Tuesday – Thursday, 10.00-14.00, 15th – 17th December
January: Tuesday – Thursday, 10.00-14.00, 19th – 21st January
March: Tuesday – Thursday, 10.00-14.00, 16th – 18th March
June: Tuesday – Thursday, 10.00-14.00, 8th – 10th June
This course is not accredited but students will receive a college certificate to evidence their successful completion.
After completing this course, learners may choose to progress into self-employment, develop their business idea
further, or move into additional enterprise and employability training. Learners could progress onto accredited
business, marketing or bookkeeping courses, or explore vocational qualifications linked to their chosen sector. The
course also supports progression into volunteering, freelance work or employment by developing confidence,
communication and organisational skills. Learners will leave with a business plan that can be developed further with
support from local business networks, enterprise agencies or mentoring opportunities.
This course introduces learners to the key knowledge and skills needed to explore self-employment and starting a
business. Learners will consider the advantages and challenges of working for themselves, develop an understanding
of income, expenditure and budgeting, and explore legal and financial responsibilities such as tax, insurance and
record keeping. The course also covers marketing, social media, networking and planning for business success.
Learners will identify their own strengths and business ideas through practical activities, discussion and guest
speakers. By the end of the course, learners will have created their own business plan to support progression into
self-employment or further enterprise study.
Assessment on this course is practical, supportive and designed to reflect real-life business planning. Learners will complete a range of activities including group discussions, quizzes, research tasks, presentations and tutor questioning to check understanding throughout the programme. Learners will also receive regular feedback on draft work to support progress and confidence. The main assessment is a completed business plan and supporting portfolio of evidence, allowing learners to demonstrate their understanding of self-employment, planning, budgeting, marketing and business responsibilities.
There are no formal qualifications required to join this course. It is suitable for adult learners who are interested in
exploring self-employment, developing a business idea or gaining confidence in enterprise skills. Learners should have
a willingness to participate in discussions, research and practical business planning activities. Basic English and digital skills will be helpful to support written tasks and online research. An initial conversation or assessment may take place to ensure the course is suitable and to identify any support needs. The course is designed to be inclusive, supportive and accessible to learners with a range of experiences and starting points.
