Free Level 1 Qualification in Understanding Enterprise

3 engaging modules to develop ideas, access resources and put your plans action
If you are looking to change career, start a business or become a freelancer then you have come to the right place!
Understanding Enterprise is a short course that gives you:
- An industry recognised accredited Level 1 qualification.
- 3 essential modules that focus on professional development, confidence, and skills within business startup and employability.
- Connections with peers, unique and fun course facilitators and 121 support from the FIRST team to help you reach your goals.
This course develops your skills and empowers you to pursue your passion to either get that dream job, learn about self-employment or explore entrepreneurship.
Eligibility:
To access the course free of charge you must be:
- Aged Over 19 (as of 1st August 2021)
- A resident in the UK or Europe for 3+ years
- Living in Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland or Durham.
Register today to book your place or chat to one of the team now to get the answers to those ‘what if’ questions.

Who is this course for?
Has the pandemic made you reassess your priorities? Are you curious about self-employment, starting a business or changing your career but not sure what the first step should be?
FIRST is here to help! Since 2014 we have empowered thousands of students, job seekers, early stage founders and professionals to explore opportunities/ideas, gather/evaluate resources and turn plans into action.

What does the course cover?
This free course is a mash up of live sessions, small group activities, peer to peer support, and independent learning delivered in a fun and interactive way.
Exploring 3 essential modules to equip you with the confidence and skills you need to make a change, the course covers how to:
MODULE 1:
- Identify and develop essential, commercial skills you need to change your career, start a business or become a freelancer
MODULE 2:
- Analyse and understand the risks associated with changing career or starting up including financial implications and market awareness/analysis
MODULE 3:
- Ask for help in your local business community with confidence, the value of networking and growing your professional contacts both on and offline.

As well as the modules, you’ll also receive: ADDED VALUE
- A bespoke workbook designed by FIRST for you to keep and use now or in the future.
- A networking and feedback session with industry professionals.
- 1 years FREE study membership to the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs worth £175 to continue your learning and access further tools.
- 121 support to help you with your next steps including access to our alumni network, advanced courses and our prestigious awards programme.

Course structure
We offer two session types so you can learn around your other commitments (work, study, family etc) and plan your learning at a time that suits you.
Bitesize
· Over 5 weeks
· 2 x 2 hour live sessions each week at 6-8 in the evening.
Intensive
· Over 2 full days of interactive online classes
· Suitable if you want to develop your ideas and progress quickly to future work/business opportunities.
Places are limited to ensure that you get full support throughout so register your interest today to save your place on the next session or contact masud@youarefirst.co.uk for more information on course dates and times.

Your course team:
FIRST have been supporting learners looking to skill up for the last 8 years with a dedicated team of experienced and passionate staff to support you on your journey.
Our learning and development team will help you with your personalised plan and goals, guide you through your workbook and be on call to ensure you understand and pass the qualification.
Our top team of associates will ensure your experience with us is meaningful, engaging and not death by PowerPoint!
Lasting legacy:
FIRST’s ambition is to provide you with tools for life and transferrable skills for whichever route you choose to go down. Once you have completed your course you will have access to our alumni network and with our permanent, open door policy we are always here to help with any startup or employment query you have.
For more information on the course and the support from FIRST team contact masud@youarefirst.co.uk

Who will I meet?
During the course you will get to work with a range of learners from all walks of life, which will help you to grow your network but also to share knowledge and gain fresh perspectives
We encourage learners to continue to help and support each other through our alumni network via WhatsApp or Facebook. From listening to feedback we know learners have collaborated on projects, become suppliers/customers and have developed likeminded friendships meeting up in the pub or for virtual coffees to share updates and opportunities.

What do I get when I complete the course?
As well as your accredited level 1 certificate, you will receive:
- 1 years FREE study membership to the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (RRP £175 per year!) which provides you with resources and information, access to funding and mentoring support
- A personalised progression plan, which is tailored to your needs and will help to signpost you to the relevant services you need make your passion reach potential
- Assistance with work placements, hotdesking, further qualifications including the free SAGE accountancy qualification and software package and free networking events and activities.
Our support doesn’t end when the course does. If you have any questions feel free to call us and if we can’t help you, we will point you in the right direction for the relevant support or resources you may need.