Financial Services Intermediate 2 (SCQF level 5)

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Structure of the Course

• Mandatory Units
• Summary of Course content
• Summary of content by each Unit
• Assessment approaches
• Learning and teaching materials
• Experience of the workplace
• Resource requirements
• Progression
• Conditions and Arrangements
• Transition Guidance
• Arrangements document

This Course is at Intermediate 2 level and consists of four 40 hour mandatory Units.

Mandatory Units:

Financial Services: Introduction (Intermediate 2)	1 Unit credit
Financial Services: Personal Financial Awareness (Intermediate 2)	1 Unit credit
Financial Services: Building Positive Relationships with Customers and Colleagues (Intermediate 2)	1 Unit credit
Financial Services: Employability Skills (Intermediate 2)	1 Unit credit

There are no optional Units in this Course.

Summary of Course content Candidates will explore the variety and range of employers and career opportunities which exist within the financial services sector. Candidates will become familiar with key words and terms used in the sector, and will develop an awareness of the impact of the sector on modern society. Personal development of employability skills will be the main focus across the Course with each Unit aiming to enhance such skills. The development of personal financial responsibility is also given high profile. Candidates will be required to develop an awareness of the impact of key legislation on the sector although detailed technical knowledge will not be covered in this Course.

Summary of content of each Unit:

• Financial Services: Introduction
  This Unit introduces candidates to the organisational types, structures and products/services of the main financial services providers. Types and range of career opportunities within the sector will be researched by candidates. Knowledge gained will include an appreciation of the extent and nature of regulatory requirements within the sector and on the impact of statutory requirements of, for example, consumer protection, data protection and money laundering issues. Health and safety in the workplace is considered in the context of the financial services industry.
• Financial Services: Personal Finance Awareness
  Candidates will be required to maintain a personal budget relative to their age and experience. Focus will centre on the benefits of maintaining personal financial awareness through life and will cover the issues of borrowing and debt. The promotion of savings for the attainment of short and long term goals is addressed. Candidates will develop an awareness of interest received and paid on different types of accounts, and of the relationship between risk and reward.
• Financial Services: Building Positive Relationships with Customers and Colleagues
  This Unit will enhance the candidate’s ability to assess the needs of customers and colleagues and to respond to those needs with respect and awareness of other people’s feelings. While the focus of the Unit is on developing good customer relations and effective working relationships, many of the skills learned are transferable into everyday life irrespective of age and stage. Candidates will be introduced to, and encouraged to develop and review, positive behaviour techniques. The effect of good customer relations on organisations will be researched. Candidates will be expected to practically demonstrate how they work with others.
• Financial Services: Employability Skills
  This Unit is intended to be integrated with the other Units in the Course and addresses the employability skills and attitudes in demand from employers in the sector. These skills will be practised and assessed in this Unit and in practical contexts throughout the Course. There will be a strong focus on the development of self-presentations skills which are particularly important in this sector. Candidates will develop self-evaluation skills and there will be opportunities for recording progress and planning for improvement.

 

Assessment approaches

The required skills and qualities which are being developed through this Course are assessed through a range of practical activities. Candidates will be required to maintain a folio for each Unit which demonstrates evidence of preparation, planning and participation in a range of activities. Important elements of knowledge and understanding will be assessed through a series of short answer questions. As part of the assessment process, candidates will review their own progress and development in employability skills throughout the Course.

Each Unit will be supported by a National Assessment Bank (NAB) item which will provide an assessment package and will exemplify the national standard.

Learning and teaching materials

Learning and teaching support packs have been produced by the Scottish Further Education Unit to support this Course. These can be accessed via the SFEU website.

Experience of the workplace

Delivery and assessment of the Course should reflect current workplace practice in the financial services sector. This can be achieved through work placements or in simulated environments. Although work placements are not mandatory, it is essential to provide candidates with opportunities to have contact with the workplace. This can be done in a variety of ways including the use of guest speakers from organisations or by arranging work place visits.

Resource requirements

In a simulated environment the delivering centre should ensure that candidates have IT access including online facilities for research purposes. It is likely that this Course will be delivered in partnership with a college/private trainer/employer in order to provide the necessary expertise and access to a variety of appropriate learning environments.

Progression

This Course may provide candidates with opportunities to progress to:

• National Progression Award: Financial Services (SCQF Level 6)
• National Certificate programmes in Further Education
• training/employment

Download the Progression and Articulation Mapping Document:

• Progression and Articulation

Conditions and Arrangements

• Download the Conditions and Arrangements for this subject

Transition Guidance for pilot centres
Financial Services Intermediate 2

• Financial Services Intermediate 2 - transition guidance

Revised Arrangements document valid from 2007/8

Subject:	Financial Services
Level:	Intermediate 2
Code:	C220 11
Edition:	Second Edition, April 2007
Downloads:	Financial Services Intermediate 2 Arrangements

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