Office Skills

Based in the main administration department of the college, students are involved in the routine procedures of a working office. Initially undertaking a vocational foundation certificate in office skills, reception and use of computers, students then have the opportunity of progressing towards an NVQ at Level 1. Encouraged to develop responsibility, including ownership of their own learning through online courses, students also participate in both group and individual tuition sessions.

Students undertake practical work experience on day-today routines in all aspects of office work, including mail handling, data processing and reprographics. Communication skills are developed through interactive team working and involvement with switchboard and reception work, where students have the responsibility of being the first point of contact for callers and visitors to the college.

Support is provided relative to students' needs, including adaptation or provision of specialised equipment or software, to enable independent access to learning opportunities in all areas of the course. Emphasis is placed upon developing personal skills in computer work, including word processing, desktop publishing and e-mail. During their course, students progress towards a programme structure containing a high degree of work experience.

The Office Skills Department offers certification in:

• OCN units in Use of Office Equipment and Document Handling
• NPTC Skills for Working Life in Office and Reception
• NPTC Skills for Working Life in Information Technology
• OCR Initial Text Processing Level 3
• OCR Word Processing Stages 1, 2 & 3
• OCR IT Users (New CLAIT 2008) Level 1
• NVQ Administration Level 1