Learning Functional Skills might not have been on your original to-do list when you first started your apprenticeship, but they are valuable and come in handy. From working out how much you’re about to save on the latest phone, to writing a funny caption without grammar mistakes, we can guarantee you’ll use everything covered in Functional Skills. 
We understand that starting a new class can be nerve-wracking, and it’s often ‘the unknown’ which can make us anxious. To make sure you’re comfortable, motivated and ready to move forward into the world of Functional Skills, we’re going to cover everything you need to know. 
 

What are Functional Skills?

Functional Skills include the subjects Maths and English. You may need to complete one or both Functional Skills depending on the certificate you already have on the subject. 
The classes are taught by expert tutors to ensure you pass Level 2 English or Maths.  
Functional Skills are different from GCSEs. GCSEs are academic; Functional Skills are more practical and useful in your personal life and at work such as managing money, problem-solving, engaging in discussions and meetings, and business writing. 
 

Why do I need to complete Functional Skills?

As a college, we need a certificate to show you have Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English to complete training. If you are unable to provide a Level 2 or GCSE (A-C or 4-9) Maths and English certificate, we will ask you to complete Functional Skills. 
 

What does it involve?

You’ll take 3 exams for English and 2 for Maths.

The English exams are: 

  1. Speaking, Listening & Communicating - you give a formal presentation and Q&A for 15 minutes and a group discussion on a pre-defined topic for 15 minutes 
  2. Reading - a written examination based on three texts based on real-life concepts (60 minutes) 
  3. Writing - a written examination of two writing tasks (60 minutes)

 

The Maths exams are: 

  • Calculator test (110 minutes)
  • Non-calculator test (40 minutes) 
     

How long does it take?

Functional skills will start in Quarter 2 (three months after starting your apprenticeship).  

The exact amount of time depends on your initial assessment of Maths and English.  

Typically, the government suggests 55 hours for each of Maths and English, on top of your apprenticeship training. So, if you were studying two hours a week, it would take you 3 months each for Maths and English. 
 

Who teaches Functional Skills?

Our tutors are welcoming, and supportive and have lots of experience teaching Maths and English, but you don’t just have to take our word for it. Hear what other learners have to say about Functional Skills and our tutors below.

 

Meet Nigel Upton – Maths and English Tutor 

Nigel Upton
 

Nigel is the Founder and Mathematics Coach at Cambridge Studies, an organisation that helps people around the world improve their Mathematics and English skills. Nigel has a PhD in Mathematics from Cranfield University and a PGCE teaching qualification from the University of Cambridge. 

He is passionate about making Maths and English accessible to everyone and says he gains huge satisfaction from seeing the apprentices grasp Maths and English skills.  

 

What apprentices have to say about Nigel 

“Nigel Upton is a fantastic teacher. He will take you through each part step by step and won’t rush or push you on if you are not ready. Nigel was very supportive and was very clear when explaining topics, I found hard to understand.” 

 

How will I learn?

Calendar Lessons Book revise
10-12 weeks of tutorials  Weekly 1:1, 1 hour tutorials  Hard copy books for personal learning  Revision sessions 

 

Apprentice Experience 

“The day I got the email with my pass mark for Functional Skills Level 2 was euphoric. A weight had been lifted, something that had been there probably for many years but also such a big sense of achievement. 
 
I know that having to repeat something you feel you should have passed at school makes you feel embarrassed, fearful and annoyed. With questions such as: What if I don’t pass? Why am I taking this again? Why didn’t I pass when I was 16? But don’t let those demons stop you! 
 
After years of working out who I was, and what I wanted to be, I built confidence - confidence from my achievements, and confidence that I now know how I will apply myself and take on challenges. If there is one thing you should think about when those demons creep in, think about how you got into your position today. You are knowledgeable, you are intelligent, and you can achieve this. 
 
The Functional Skills course is not like maths when we were at school. The equations usually relate to scenarios that we would find ourselves in as adults. The modules are broken down into stages. You will get significant one-on-one time with your tutor and there are other students on the same journey, who are on-hand on the Teams chat to support you. 
Remember, you know who you are, take the course at your own pace, be open and honest if you are struggling (we all struggle at times) and you will pass this.”