Apprenticeship Functional Skills
Functional skills are crucial for apprenticeships. Not only will they help you succeed, but they are likely a requirement for you to complete your apprenticeship.
For more information, complete the form and one of our support team will be in touch. We’ll help you work out if these qualifications are right for you and whether you are eligible for a funded Functional Skills exam.
Functional Skills and Apprenticeships
The UK Government has outlined that attainment of Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications is a requirement for anyone completing an apprenticeship at Level 3 or above. As a result, you may be eligible for government funding to help you complete these qualifications.
With the close relationship between apprenticeships and functional skills, we are used to helping learners complete both their Maths and English qualifications alongside their apprenticeship. You will find resources to help you with your revision on our website, which you can access through the links below.
What are Apprenticeship Functional Skills?
Functional skills are a qualification in maths and English that demonstrate an individual possesses the essential skills required for jobs, education and daily life. They provide learners with the tools to communicate effectively, make informed decisions and solve problems. A level 2 functional skills qualification is the equivalent of a grade 4/C at GCSE.
Functional skills and apprenticeships often go hand in hand. If you don’t already have Functional Skills qualifications as an apprentice, you will likely need to obtain these qualifications to successfully complete your apprenticeship.
Whether you have a specific apprenticeship in mind or are still looking, it can be a good idea to get a head start with your Functional Skills. This will make it easier for you when you start your apprenticeship.
Do you need functional skills for apprenticeships?
If you’re wondering whether you need Functional Skills for apprenticeships, it’s important to check with your apprenticeship provider to confirm if they accept Functional Skills qualifications. Functional Skills for apprenticeships are key qualifications in the UK, ensuring that apprentices have the literacy, numeracy, and digital skills required for their roles. Most apprenticeship providers recognise Functional Skills for apprentices as equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 or C in maths and English, so long as they don’t already hold an equivalent qualification. These skills are vital, as they allow apprentices to communicate effectively, solve problems, and perform tasks efficiently in the workplace.
Level 2 Maths
In order to gain your functional skills maths qualification, you need to sit a 2 hour exam. This is sat online, with an online invigilator. The exam is split up into 2 parts; a half an hour non-calculator section and an hour and a half calculator section. Once you have passed this exam then you will receive your certificate to say that you have achieved your functional skills qualification. This will allow you to complete your apprenticeship.
Level 2 English
For English, you need to have passed all three components to gain your functional skills qualification. These components are all sat as separate exams, they are reading, writing and the SLC (speaking, listening and communication). The reading and writing exams are both 1 hour exams but are commonly sat one after the other in a 2 hour slot. The SLC is then sat on another day and takes around 2 hours. You must pass each component in order to get your certificate.
Apprenticeship Functional Skills FAQs
You will only need functional skills in maths and English if you do not already have a GCSE at grade 4/C or above in these subjects.
If you are undertaking a level 3 or above apprenticeship then you will need a GCSE grade 4 or above in English AND maths in order to complete this.
If you have not got a grade 4 or above in maths and English then a level 2 functional skills qualification is a great way to meet that requirement as they are equivalent to a GCSE.
Yes, apprenticeships and functional skills can be completed side by side, however you may find it easier to complete your functional skills qualifications before starting your apprenticeship.
If you are completing an apprenticeship then it is more than likely that you are eligible for funding. Get in touch by calling 020 4574 9155 and one of our team will help assess whether you qualify for funding.
Yes, we work alongside lots of apprenticeship providers to supply functional skills courses and exams to apprentices. If you are interested in registering as a training provider then give us a call on 020 4574 9155, or book a demo with one of our support team here.
Speak to one of our experts now
Our Functional Skills Experts are on hand to answer any queries you may have.