NPA FINANCIAL SERVICES

Intro to the course:

The National Progression Award (NPA) Financial Services at SCQF level 6 is an introductory award which will enable learners to grasp an understanding of the world of work in the Financial Services sector.  The benefits for learners are that the NPA will provide them with the basic skills and knowledge that employers in the Financial Services sector value in new employees.

Significant growth has been identified in the Financial Services sector and concerns about a sustainable recruitment pipeline have led industry partners to consider alternative sources, such as Modern Apprenticeships, from which to draw suitable entry level learners.

The NPA was specifically developed to meet the knowledge component of the Foundation Apprenticeship in Financial Services.

The NPA and the component Units can be offered as a standalone qualification or as free-standing units.

Specific aims of the award are:

• provide learners with an awareness of the economy in which the financial services sector operates
• provide learners with knowledge of the importance of financial regulation
• provide learners with knowledge and skills which are directly relevant to current or future job roles within the financial services sector
• provide opportunities for the personal development of skills and attitudes which will improve a learner's  employment potential and career development within the financial services sector.
• encourage learners to adopt best practice work behaviours
• provide learners with an appreciation of financial risk and financial sustainability

Who is the course for?

The NPA is designed to introduce you to the world of work in the financial services sector and to develop your communication and customer service skills to enable you to gain a role within the sector.

The benefits for learners are that the NPA will provide them with the basic skills and knowledge that employers in the financial services sector value in new employees.

Significant growth has been identified in the financial services sector and concerns about a sustainable recruitment pipeline have led industry partners to consider alternative sources, such as Modern Apprenticeships, from which to draw suitable entry level learners.

What will I study?

The qualification provides you with knowledge and skills that will increase your awareness of the industry.  To gain the award you will need to complete six  financial services units:

• personal finance awareness
• an introduction
• the regulatory framework
• communication
• promoting positive Customer Relationships

You will be introduced to the importance of financial budgeting, borrowing and saving in your daily life. 

You will learn how the financial service sector contributes to the economy as a whole, the different institutions operating in the sector and the job roles and career paths available.

You will gain an appreciation of the importance of regulatory control within the financial services sector and the main bodies responsible for this. You will be introduced to the various categories of risk management and how companies manage risk.  You will learn about the application of the Data Protection Act and Money Laundering Regulations within the sector.

The sector recognises the need for good communication and customer service skills and two of the Units focus on these skills when dealing with financial services products and/or services.

Next Step Course Options

Progression from this group award is on to further/higher education courses such as HNC or HND Financial Services, Accounting or to the Modern Apprenticeship in Financial Services or Accounting.

How will I be assessed?

You may be assessed in a number of ways including:

• extended response questions
• research projects 
• practical tasks

Why should I choose this course?

The NPA is designed to introduce you to the world of work in the financial services sector and to develop your communication and customer service skills to enable you to gain a role within the sector.

The benefits for learners are that the NPA will provide them with the basic skills and knowledge that employers in the financial services sector value in new employees.

Significant growth has been identified in the financial services sector and concerns about a sustainable recruitment pipeline have led industry partners to consider alternative sources, such as Modern Apprenticeships, from which to draw suitable entry level learners.

Where can this course lead?

Successful candidates would be eligible to apply for entry level job opportunities in the buoyant financial services sector.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry to this qualification is at the discretion of the centre.  The following information on prior knowledge, skills, experience or qualifications that provide suitable preparation for this qualification has been provided for guidance only.

Learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:

• National 5 or Higher English
• National 5 or Higher Mathematics
• SCQF Level 5 award or equivalent in a business or accounting related subject
• work experience

What are the interview arrangements?

There is no formal interview required.  Candidates will be invited to attend an informal information and enrolment session.