For students in S5, the National Progression Award in Financial Services is classroom-based and is enhanced with a programme of employer engagement workshops and activities, including The Investment Challenge. Working in a team, you will use an online business simulation to grow a virtual investment fund, making decisions on what to buy and sell based on your own research from incoming news stories.
This 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 prepare you for work. As well as developing your employability skills, you will create and maintain a personal budget whilst considering the issues surrounding borrowing and debt.
You will learn how the Financial Services 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.
Entry Requirements
This course would suit organised, logical and detail orientated students who are working towards Highers in relevant subject areas. It is essential that you have achieved or are working towards Higher (A-C) in any STEM subject or English.
Progression Pathways
Following successful completion of the NPA you can progress through HNC & HND to degree level qualifications in universities across Scotland.
Modern Apprenticeships are also available in the Financial Services Sector.
Explore the Full Course Progression Pathway.
Employment Prospects
The Financial Services sector currently employs approximately 157,000 people in Scotland and is expected to continue to grow. This course prepares you for a variety of job roles by developing key employment skills such as customer care.
With further study, students can move into a variety of occupations including insurance, banking and business.
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