Undertaking an Enterprise Project — Ascentis Other Life Skills Qualification Employability & Work Skills Revision

    This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental concepts of enterprise, enabling them to select a suitable product for a specific target market, ident

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental concepts of enterprise, enabling them to select a suitable product for a specific target market, identify an appropriate selling venue, and gather necessary resources. Through active participation in an enterprise project, learners develop practical employability skills such as decision-making, teamwork, and customer awareness. It is designed for Entry 1 learners to gain confidence in basic commercial activities.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Undertaking an Enterprise Project

    ASCENTIS
    vocational

    This subtopic equips learners with the entrepreneurial skills to conceive, cost, market, and manage a small enterprise project tailored to a specific audience. It emphasizes practical application of numeracy for pricing, communication for marketing, and reflective skills for project review, fostering employability through real-world business planning.

    17
    Learning Outcomes
    32
    Assessment Guidance
    34
    Key Skills
    17
    Key Terms
    36
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    Ascentis Level 1 Certificate In Employability
    Ascentis Entry Level Award in Using Employability Skills (Entry 2)
    Ascentis Entry Level Certificate in Using Employability Skills (Entry 1)
    Ascentis Entry Level Certificate in Using Employability Skills (Entry 2)
    Ascentis Entry Level Certificate in Using Employability Skills (Entry 3)
    Ascentis Entry Level Award in Using Employability Skills (Entry 3)
    Ascentis Entry Level Award in Using Employability Skills (Entry 1)
    Ascentis Level 1 Award in Employability

    Topic Overview

    The Ascentis Entry Level Award in Using Employability Skills (Entry 1) is designed to introduce you to the fundamental skills needed to succeed in the workplace. This qualification focuses on building your confidence in areas such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are essential for any job. You will learn how to present yourself professionally, work effectively with others, and understand basic workplace expectations.

    This award is part of the Ascentis Other Life Skills Qualification suite, which helps you develop practical skills for everyday life and employment. By completing this qualification, you will be better prepared for further study, training, or entering the world of work. The skills you gain here are transferable to any career path and will help you become a more independent and capable individual.

    Throughout the course, you will engage in activities that simulate real workplace scenarios, such as following instructions, asking for help, and completing tasks as part of a team. You will also learn about the importance of punctuality, appearance, and positive attitude. This qualification is a stepping stone to higher-level employability qualifications and can boost your CV and confidence.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Communication: Understanding how to listen carefully, speak clearly, and use appropriate body language in a work setting.
    • →Teamwork: Working cooperatively with others, sharing ideas, and supporting colleagues to achieve common goals.
    • →Problem-solving: Identifying simple problems, thinking of possible solutions, and asking for help when needed.
    • →Self-management: Being punctual, following instructions, and taking responsibility for your own actions and tasks.
    • →Positive attitude: Showing enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and resilience when faced with challenges.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Select an appropriate enterprise project for a particular target market.(Rt/L1; Wt/L1), Appreciate the unit cost of, and how to set the price for, their product or service.(N1/L1; N2/L1), Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of effective marketing.(Wt/L1), Plan, monitor and review the enterprise project.(Rw/L1; SLc/L1)
    • Be able to select a product to sell to a particular target market., Be able to select a suitable venue to sell the product., Know the equipment/resources needed to sell the product., Be able to recognise when equipment is unsafe., Be able to participate in an enterprise project.
    • Be able to select a product to sell to a particular target market., Be able to select a suitable venue to sell the chosen product., Understand the equipment/resources needed to sell the chosen product., Be able to participate in an enterprise project.
    • Be able to select a product to sell to a particular target market., Be able to select a suitable venue to sell the product., Know the equipment/resources needed to sell the product., Be able to recognise when equipment is unsafe., Be able to participate in an enterprise project.
    • Be able to select a product to sell to a particular target market., Be able to select a suitable venue to sell a product., Understand equipment/resources needed to sell products., Be able to recognise when equipment is unsafe., Be able to participate in an enterprise project.
    • Identify a target market and justify a suitable product to meet its needs
    • Assess the suitability of a venue based on accessibility, cost, and audience reach
    • List essential equipment and resources required for product sales
    • Conduct basic safety checks on equipment and recognise hazards
    • Contribute effectively to team tasks during the enterprise project
    • Identify a product that meets the needs of a target market.
    • Select a suitable venue for selling the chosen product.
    • List equipment and resources required for the enterprise activity.
    • Participate actively in a simulated or real enterprise project.
    • Describe why the chosen product appeals to the target market.
    • Demonstrate basic teamwork skills during the enterprise activity.
    • Select an appropriate enterprise project for a particular target market.(Rt/L1; Wt/L1), Appreciate the unit cost of, and how to set the price for, their product or service.(N1/L1; N2/L1), Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of effective marketing.(Wt/L1), Plan, monitor and review the enterprise project.(Rw/L1; SLc/L1)

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating a clear rationale for the chosen enterprise project, linking it explicitly to the identified target market's needs and preferences.
    • Award credit for accurately calculating unit costs, including materials, time, and overheads, and justifying the final selling price with a simple profit margin.
    • Award credit for producing a basic marketing plan that outlines promotional methods (e.g., posters, social media) and explains how they reach the target market.
    • Award credit for maintaining a project log that records planned vs. actual activities, identifies deviations, and includes a self-evaluation of what worked well and what could be improved.
    • Award credit for clear justification of product choice linked to identified target market characteristics (e.g., age, interests, needs).
    • Credit evidence of evaluating venue suitability with reference to factors such as footfall, space, cost, and relevance to target market.
    • Credit correct listing of all required equipment/resources and demonstration of checking them for safety before use.
    • Credit active participation in the enterprise project, evidenced through observation, logbooks, or witness statements showing contribution to set-up, selling, and clean-up.
    • Award credit for selecting a product with a clear rationale for the target market, evidenced through a simple drawing, photo, or verbal explanation.
    • Expect identification of a suitable venue (e.g., school fete, classroom sale) and a basic reason for its appropriateness.
    • Assess for listing or demonstrating knowledge of necessary equipment/resources, with awareness of safe use.
    • Observe active participation in the enterprise project, including taking a defined role (e.g., handling money, displaying products) and following instructions.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to choose a product suitable for a specific group of customers (e.g., children, adults, local community).
    • Credit should be given for identifying a venue (a place to sell) and justifying why it is appropriate for the product and target market.
    • Assessors should look for a basic list of equipment/resources needed, with an explanation of why each is necessary.
    • Evidence of recognising unsafe equipment (e.g., broken, dirty, wrong for the task) and taking appropriate action (informing supervisor, not using it) must be observed.
    • Participation in the enterprise project should be evidenced through active involvement in planning, setting up, selling, or tidying up, with appropriate communication and teamwork.
    • Award credit for clearly identifying a product and explaining why it meets the needs of a specific target market (e.g., 'selling homemade cakes to office workers because they like quick snacks').
    • Look for evidence of selecting a venue with justification linked to the target market and product (e.g., 'a school fete stall because families attend and might buy craft items').
    • Assess a basic list of equipment/resources required to sell the product, demonstrating understanding of practical needs (e.g., table, float money, price labels).
    • Require demonstration of checking equipment for safety, such as identifying a frayed cable on a cash box or a wobbly table, and knowing to report or replace it.
    • Award credit for active, documented participation in the enterprise project, including evidence of set-up, selling, or customer interaction, even with support.
    • Award credit for clearly stating the chosen target market and product with a basic rationale
    • Expect evidence of venue comparison, mentioning at least one advantage or disadvantage
    • Credit a checklist or written plan that identifies necessary equipment and its safe use
    • Look for demonstration of a manual handling technique or verbal explanation of unsafe equipment signs
    • Assess active participation through observation records or witness statements from the enterprise activity
    • Award credit for providing a simple rationale linking the product choice to the target market's preferences.
    • Evidence of considering venue options, such as photos, a checklist of features, or a visit record.
    • A completed list or labelled illustration of equipment/resources used during the sale.
    • Observation or witness statement confirming active participation in setting up, selling, or interacting with customers.
    • Recognition of contributions to team tasks, e.g. sharing ideas, taking turns, or helping peers.
    • Award credit for demonstrating a clear rationale linking the chosen enterprise project to the identified target market, with evidence of market research (e.g., surveys or observations).
    • Award credit for accurate calculation of unit cost, considering both direct and indirect expenses, and justification of the selling price with reference to cost, competitor pricing, and customer perceived value.
    • Award credit for presenting a coherent marketing plan that includes promotional methods tailored to the target market, with examples of marketing materials or digital content created.
    • Award credit for maintaining a project log that tracks progress against planned milestones, identifies deviations, and reflects on what was learned for future improvement.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡When selecting a project, explicitly state the target market's characteristics (age, interests, location) and justify how the product/service meets their specific demand.
    • 💡In costings, show all calculations step-by-step; examiners look for clear evidence of how the unit cost and price were derived, even if arithmetic is simple.
    • 💡For marketing, use real examples: sample advert copy, a poster design, or a description of how you'd use social media—this demonstrates applied understanding.
    • 💡Keep a detailed project diary from the start; regular entries with dates and reflective comments will earn higher marks than a last-minute summary.
    • 💡Ensure your portfolio includes photographic evidence or screenshots of any market research conducted, with annotations explaining decisions.
    • 💡When selecting a venue, write a short rationale comparing at least two options to show evaluative thinking.
    • 💡Create a checklist for equipment/resources and demonstrate how you used it to identify unsafe items—this shows systematic safety awareness.
    • 💡Keep a simple project diary or log with dated entries and photos showing your involvement at each stage: planning, selling, and reviewing.
    • 💡Keep a simple project log or photo diary to evidence each stage of the enterprise project; annotate photos with short explanations.
    • 💡Practice explaining product and venue choices using clear, simple language—assessors will look for basic reasoning.
    • 💡Arrange for a witness statement from a supervisor or tutor to confirm your active participation and role during the sale.
    • 💡Use visual prompts or checklists on the day to remember equipment and tasks, demonstrating independence and preparation.
    • 💡Collect photographic evidence and witness statements of your participation in the enterprise project to show your practical involvement.
    • 💡Practice explaining your choices clearly – why you selected the product, venue, and equipment – as these reasons are key evidence for your portfolio.
    • 💡When identifying unsafe equipment, use a simple checklist or verbal report to demonstrate you can spot hazards; record this in your evidence.
    • 💡Work safely throughout the project and ensure you can describe what you did to keep safe, as safety is integral to the assessment criteria.
    • 💡Provide photographic or witness testimony evidence of your participation to clearly meet the practical criteria—ensure photos show you actively involved, not just the stall.
    • 💡Complete a simple written or verbal justification for your product and venue choices; assessors look for reasoning, not just the choice itself.
    • 💡Create a checklist of equipment and a separate safety inspection sheet, ticking off items as you check them to evidence both resource planning and safety awareness.
    • 💡Practice explaining your target market and venue choice aloud to build confidence for oral questioning or reflection sections of the assessment.
    • 💡Use a portfolio to capture all stages of the enterprise project, from planning to reflection
    • 💡Provide photographic evidence and brief written notes to demonstrate venue and equipment assessment
    • 💡Practise explaining your choices clearly to an assessor or peer to strengthen communication skills
    • 💡Review basic health and safety principles and apply them to your specific sales setup
    • 💡Keep a simple decision diary with reasons for your product, venue, and resource choices—this shows your thought process.
    • 💡Take clear photos of the product, venue, and you in action; annotate them to highlight your role.
    • 💡Ask your tutor or assessor to observe you during key moments and record a witness statement.
    • 💡Practise talking through your choices out loud to build confidence and demonstrate understanding during discussions.
    • 💡When submitting evidence, ensure your project idea is clearly connected to the target market you’ve researched; use simple tools like questionnaires or interviews and include the raw data.
    • 💡Document every expense with receipts or screenshots—showing your working for unit cost and pricing decisions demonstrates numeracy and analytical skills that examiners look for.
    • 💡For the marketing section, go beyond a poster: think about where and how you’ll promote (e.g., social media, word-of-mouth, school event) and explain why that method suits your audience.
    • 💡Use a simple diary or spreadsheet to record your project’s progress; note any problems and how you adapted, as reflective evaluation is critical for achieving higher marks.
    • 💡Tip 1: Use specific examples from your own experience when answering questions. For instance, if asked about teamwork, describe a time you worked with others on a school project or in a club. This shows you can apply the skill in real life.
    • 💡Tip 2: Pay attention to the wording of questions. If a question asks you to 'list' or 'describe', make sure you do exactly that. For 'list', bullet points are fine; for 'describe', write in full sentences with details.
    • 💡Tip 3: Don't be afraid to ask your teacher or assessor for clarification if you don't understand a task. This is actually a key employability skill – knowing when and how to ask for help.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Learners often confuse target market with general audience, failing to tailor the project to a specific group, leading to a generic enterprise idea.
    • Misunderstanding unit cost by omitting indirect costs (e.g., electricity, transport) or miscalculating mark-up, resulting in an unrealistic selling price.
    • Assuming marketing is just advertising, neglecting the importance of product, price, place, and promotion (the marketing mix) in reaching customers.
    • Superficial project reviews that lack critical reflection, merely describing what happened without identifying lessons learned or proposing improvements.
    • Choosing a product based on personal preference without linking to market research or target audience needs.
    • Selecting a venue without considering its accessibility or appeal to the target market (e.g., a children's toy sale in an office block).
    • Omitting to check equipment for damage or electrical safety, assuming it is automatically safe.
    • Focusing only on selling without documenting the planning and reflective stages required for evidence.
    • Choosing a product without considering whether others would want to buy it (limited customer demand).
    • Selecting a venue that is inaccessible, impractical, or unrelated to the target market.
    • Omitting essential items like a cash box, price labels, or change float when listing equipment.
    • Not understanding their specific role during the sale, leading to confusion or minimal participation.
    • Learners might select a product without considering who will buy it, leading to a mismatch between product and target market.
    • Choosing a venue that is unsuitable or inaccessible for the target customers (e.g., selling children's toys in a pub).
    • Assuming all equipment is safe without checking, or not recognizing hazards like damaged electrical items or expired food items.
    • Not listing all necessary resources, especially smaller items like change for cash, price labels, or cleaning supplies.
    • Selecting a product without considering the target market, leading to a mismatch (e.g., trying to sell expensive gadgets at a community centre for elderly residents).
    • Choosing a venue based on convenience rather than suitability for the target audience, ignoring factors like footfall, accessibility, or permissions.
    • Forgetting to include essential small items in the resources list, such as change for cash transactions or bags for customers.
    • Overlooking safety checks by assuming equipment is safe because it 'looks' fine, rather than actively inspecting for damage or hazards.
    • Passive participation where the learner only observes instead of actively engaging in tasks like setting up, promoting, or handling money.
    • Selecting a product without linking it to a specific target market, resulting in a vague sales approach
    • Choosing a venue based solely on convenience without considering customer footfall or accessibility
    • Overlooking small but essential equipment such as pricing labels or bags for customers
    • Failing to check equipment before use, assuming it is safe without visual inspection
    • Taking a passive role during the enterprise project, expecting others to complete tasks
    • Selecting a product based on personal liking rather than the target market's needs.
    • Choosing a venue that is not accessible or frequented by the intended customers.
    • Forgetting basic resources like price labels, float money, or packaging.
    • Expecting others to do most of the work without contributing meaningfully to the enterprise.
    • Choosing an enterprise project based on personal interest without considering whether there is actual demand or suitability for the target market.
    • Confusing total cost with unit cost, or forgetting to include all variable costs (e.g., packaging, labour) when calculating how much it costs to produce one item.
    • Assuming that marketing is simply advertising; failing to recognise the importance of the marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion) in reaching customers effectively.
    • Setting a price too low just to undercut competitors without ensuring it covers costs and generates a profit, leading to unsustainable enterprise models.
    • Misconception: Employability skills are only about getting a job. Correction: While they help you get a job, they are also crucial for keeping a job and progressing in your career. Employers value these skills as much as technical knowledge.
    • Misconception: Teamwork means everyone does the same thing. Correction: Effective teamwork involves different roles and contributions. You might be responsible for one part of a task while others do different parts, all working towards a shared goal.
    • Misconception: Problem-solving always requires a perfect solution. Correction: In Entry 1, problem-solving is about trying to find a solution, even if it's not perfect. Asking for help is a key part of the process.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •No formal prerequisites are required for this Entry 1 qualification. However, it is helpful if you have basic literacy and numeracy skills, as you will need to read simple instructions and possibly count or measure in some activities.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Select an appropriate enterprise project for a particular target market.(Rt/L1; Wt/L1), Appreciate the unit cost of, and how to set the price for, their product or service.(N1/L1; N2/L1), Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of effective marketing.(Wt/L1), Plan, monitor and review the enterprise project.(Rw/L1; SLc/L1)
    • Be able to select a product to sell to a particular target market., Be able to select a suitable venue to sell the product., Know the equipment/resources needed to sell the product., Be able to recognise when equipment is unsafe., Be able to participate in an enterprise project.
    • Be able to select a product to sell to a particular target market., Be able to select a suitable venue to sell the chosen product., Understand the equipment/resources needed to sell the chosen product., Be able to participate in an enterprise project.
    • Be able to select a product to sell to a particular target market., Be able to select a suitable venue to sell the product., Know the equipment/resources needed to sell the product., Be able to recognise when equipment is unsafe., Be able to participate in an enterprise project.
    • Be able to select a product to sell to a particular target market., Be able to select a suitable venue to sell a product., Understand equipment/resources needed to sell products., Be able to recognise when equipment is unsafe., Be able to participate in an enterprise project.
    • Market analysis and target audience
    • Venue selection and planning
    • Resource and equipment management
    • Health and safety awareness
    • Active participation in enterprise
    • Product-market fit
    • Venue selection
    • Resource identification
    • Enterprise participation
    • Customer interaction
    • Basic decision-making
    • Select an appropriate enterprise project for a particular target market.(Rt/L1; Wt/L1), Appreciate the unit cost of, and how to set the price for, their product or service.(N1/L1; N2/L1), Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of effective marketing.(Wt/L1), Plan, monitor and review the enterprise project.(Rw/L1; SLc/L1)

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