Understanding Functional Skills
What are Functional Skills?
If you’re on an apprenticeship programme, you may need to achieve qualifications in English and maths alongside your apprenticeship training. These are known as ‘Functional Skills’.
Functional Skills allow you to learn essential English and Maths skills that can be applied in everyday life. They’re delivered through a problem-solving approach, supporting you grow in confidence, but also heightening your ability to learn.
When you are ‘functionally skilled,’ you can use and apply your knowledge of English and maths to tackle problems that arise in your personal life and work.
“Functional skills are the fundamental, applied skills in English and mathematics, which help people to gain the most from life, learning and work.” (Ofqual, 2012)
How are Functional Skills delivered?
Functional Skills are delivered alongside your apprenticeship training and form part of your monthly training plan.
To establish your current confidence levels in English and maths, you’ll be asked to complete an initial assessment at your apprenticeship enrolment meeting. You’ll then complete a diagnostic assessment, so that your Lifetime Team Member can understand your current level of skill and tailor the support for you.
You’ll receive a blended delivery of learning, determined by your starting point against each module:
- For any modules where you're at the required English or maths level, you’ll be encouraged to develop your skills through independent learning modules hosted on the Aptem platform. You can also join a group webinar.
- If you’re one level below for the module, you’ll need to attend a ‘live’ virtual classroom session delivered by our team of expert virtual classroom coaches for English and maths.
- If you’re two levels below for the module, Lifetime will provide one-to-one support from an expert English and maths coach.
You can receive a combination of any of the above delivery methods, at any time during your training if needed.
“I like the virtual classrooms a lot as I'm a slow thinker when it comes to maths. I never feel hurried, and everything is always explained really well.”
Becoming assessment ready
We want to make sure you’re ready and prepared to take your assessments. It’s why we have the following processes in place, helping you to succeed.
1. You’ll complete a skills check once all your learning is complete. This makes sure you’re working at the required level and are assessment-ready.
2. Once you are ready, you'll complete a mock assessment to build your confidence in exam conditions and for passing your assessment.
3. Lifetime also offers a session called ‘Preparing to take your Assessment’. This gives you the opportunity to get comfortable with the platform for the ‘live’ assessment.
4. All apprentices that are at the assessment stage also complete a learning activity, it’s how you can all share ‘top tips’ for the assessment, helping everyone feel at ease prior to the actual assessment.
Once you've completed these steps, you’ll agree with your coach that you are confident and ready to sit and achieve the Functional Skills assessments.
What sort of training will I be doing?
There are several different resources to support you in your Functional Skills learning.
You’ll complete each module and there’ll be progress reviews for each module, to make sure you are on track and progressing well. You'll have access to:
- Learning videos
- Written articles
- Webinars
- Virtual classrooms
- Mock assessments
“My coach was very good at breaking down the information she was presenting, praising me and building my confidence. She also gave me time to try and work out things for myself.”
How long will it take to complete my functional skills?
On average, you’ll need to complete two hours of learning a week to complete your Functional Skills. There are different activities and expected development timeframes, dependent of your current skills level.
What if I’ve already achieved English and/or maths qualifications?
If you already have English and maths qualifications, you may not need to complete Functional Skills as part of your apprenticeship. These are the minimum requirements you must meet to be exempt:
- If you’re completing a Level 2 apprenticeship, you need a minimum of a Level 1 at Functional Skills.
- If you’re completing a Level 3 or above apprenticeship, you need a minimum of a Level 2 at Functional Skills
To qualify for an exemption, you’ll need to present original copies of any certificates that meet/exceed the requirement to your coach at the enrolment visit. Examples include:
- Level 2: GCSE Grade A*- C/9-4 in English and/or maths, Level 2 Functional Skills or Equivalent.
- Level 1: GCSE Grade D-E/2-3 in English and/or maths, Level 1 Functional Skills or equivalent.
“I now have better skills in maths and English than I did when I left school, which is a great achievement for me.”
What are the benefits of Functional Skills?
Developing and improving core English and maths skills not only supports you within your job role, it also supports you in your personal life too. These skills are fully transferable and provide a fully holistic learning experience.
Many employers look for (or require these skills and qualifications) so this is a great way to gain these industry-recognised qualifications, while studying for your apprenticeship. Additional personal benefits include:
- Greater job satisfaction due to increased autonomy, variety and work pride.
- Reduced stress and more confidence.
- The ability to take advantage of promotion and training opportunities, possibly leading to increased earnings of up to 10%
- Improved skills to support your personal life, from managing your finances more efficiently, to benefitting from new technologies or helping with children’s homework.
Have any further questions about Functional Skills training? Your Lifetime Coach is on hand to help. If you haven’t enrolled onto an apprenticeship yet and would like some more information, you can visit the City & Guilds website.
about Functional Skills?