Course Outline:
This course primarily focuses on preparation for work in an office environment, but many students use it as a stepping stone for entry to third level courses in the areas of business, computers and accountancy. Work placement is a mandatory element to the course and allows students to gain up to 3 weeks experience in a busy office environment. Some students also use this course as useful preparation for subsequent third level studies.
- Communications 5N0690
- Work Experience 5N1356
- Information & Administration 5N1389
- Text Production 5N1422
- Word Processing 5N1358
- Spreadsheet Methods 5N1977
- The Internet 5N1611
- Business Administration 5N1610
Course Duration:
This is a one-year full time course and runs from September to May.
Award
Successful completion of this course will result in a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Office Administration, 5M1997.
Entry Requirements
A Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied or equivalent is required, although exceptions are given to mature students who are over 23 years of age. Acceptance to the course is subject to interview.
Course Progression
Upon successful completion of this course, learners may be eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities.
Career Options
- Explain the key terminology associated with personal
taxation in preparing and maintaining payroll records
both manually and on the computer
Outline the advantages and disadvantages of a
computerised system over a manual one for payroll
processing purposes
- Process the payroll for employee(s), using manual
and computerised systems
Information & Administration 5N1389
Learners who successfully complete this module will:
- Understand the different types of business organisations and the duties and functions of personnel within
- Understand how information is processed within an organisation and acquire the skills necessary to perform routine duties
- Appreciate the purpose of legislation as it applies to the workplace
- Appreciate the importance of planning and organising work related activities
- Appreciate the impact of new technology on work practices
Assessment Criteria: Skills Demonstration 30%, Project 30%, Exam 40%
Text Production 5N1422
Studying this Module Students will become learn:
- Correct Keyboard Techniques
- Attain a minimum typing speed of 35 words per minute
- Emphasis placed on the production of a variety of document such as: formal business letters, tabular statements and form tear of sections
- Proficient in the use of proof- reading symbols
Assessment Criteria: Examination 80%, Skills Demonstration 20%
Word Processing 5N1358
Students will engage in practical learning in the most current up to date Microsoft Office Word Programme available, to include:
- Formatting and Editing documents using a broad range of word processing techniques.
- Create and use Word templates and Word Documents
- Become Proficient in file Management and use of Mail Merge
- Work on a range of common everyday Documents
- Learn how to produce documents to include, Clipart, Image Display, Tables and watermarks
Assessment Criteria: Assignment 20%, Exam (x 2) 40% each
Spreadsheet Methods 5N1977
Learners will be able to:
- Investigate a range of common uses for spreadsheets
- Explore key spreadsheet elements including cells, cell references, numeric, alpha, and alphanumeric data, formulae, functions, graphs and macros
- Use spreadsheet design features involving data and cell formatting techniques which enhance understanding and legibility
- Produce a spreadsheet, with minimal supervision, that meets a simple design specification and is fit for purpose
- Demonstrate personal initiative and resourcefulness in editing and amending spreadsheets to ensure they are fit for purpose
Assessment Criteria: Exam 50%, Practical Assignment 50%
Web Authoring 5N1910
The purpose of the award is to equip the learner with the
knowledge, skill and competence to use the internet for
communication, research, collaboration, e-Commerce and web
authoring in a secure and confidential manner in a range of
personal and work contexts
Assessment Criteria: Project 70%, Assignment 30%
Communications 5N0690
Students studying Communications Level 5 will be able to do with the following:
- Analysis of a range of current issues in communications and information technology.
- Summarise in practical terms the elements of legislation that must be observed in a personal and/or work context, to include health, safety and welfare at work and communications-related legislation.
- Use appropriate non-verbal and visual communication in personal- and work-related settings, to include one-to-one, in a group/team, and in formal and informal interaction.
- Demonstrate verbal skills appropriate to working under general direction, to include making a case and presenting a point of view in group discussion, formal meetings, interviews.
- Demonstrate listening skills appropriate to working under general direction, to include making eye contact, receiving and interpreting information, control of personal response.
- Research a relevant vocational topic, to include use of primary and secondary sources, acknowledgement of sources, use of enquiry techniques and methods to establish validity and reliability
Assessment Criteria: Collection of Work – 50%, Skills Demonstration – 50%
Work Experience 5N1356
Students studying Work Experience Level 5 will do the following:
- Examine work organisations and personal career opportunities in a particular vocational area, to include consideration of work-related issues and needs.
- Summarise the basic rights and responsibilities of employees and employers in a particular work, organisational or institutional context, to include health, safety and welfare at work, equality legislation, union representation and regulations relating to pay.
- Present relevant work experience material, to include a Curriculum Vitae or personal statement, letter of application, evidence of job-finding skills, skills checklist, statement of learning goals, contractual arrangements.
- Participate effectively in a work experience placement for a minimum of 60 hours to gain experience/insight into their chosen vocational area.
Assessment Criteria: Collection of Work – 60%, Skills Demonstration – 40%