A New Year
In this article, Heather makes some suggestions for where she sees policy focus should be in 2024. A new year – and as we now…
Functional skills are fundamental English, maths and information communication technology (ICT) qualifications taught in UK colleges and schools focused on developing practical, transferable competencies for education, work and life.
These are foundation level courses providing baseline maths, language and digital literacy progressing up to GCSE-equivalent Level 2 standard. They build confidence in struggling learners, those with special educational needs, individuals needing to fill CV gaps for employment or swap careers by refreshing core skills.
With UK employers of all sectors and sizes prioritising communication, budget management and digital usage, functional training builds students’ confidence and workplace readiness in these essential activities underpinning roles economy-wide.
Developing functional abilities also strengthens social independence, financial and health literacy, ability to pursue hobbies and interests, supporting well-rounded life skills.
Available from pre-entry up to Level 2, functional syllabuses blend theoretical and applied content. Maths develops numerical understanding, graphs/charts and problem analysis. English emphasizes reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension. ICT covers using devices, internet, email, spreadsheets and more.
Assessments blend written exams and practical assignments demonstrating real-world application of skills learned to meet rising workplace digitalization.
In this article, Heather makes some suggestions for where she sees policy focus should be in 2024. A new year – and as we now…
With English and maths being talked about more than ever before, David Redden, Functional Skills specialist at the awarding organisation NCFE, outlines the challenges facing…
Last week, AELP once again hosted its Autumn Conference in Manchester which, this year, was attended by over 250 people from across the skills sector.…
The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) has today published its vision for a sustainable skills system, Skills Means Growth. AELP has already set…
Overview This interactive virtual workshop taking place over two half-days will explore, with a view to fully understand, the requirements for Level 1 and Level…
In April the Prime Minister restated his New Year’s pledge to make maths education up to 18 compulsory, this time announcing the establishment of an…
Groundbreaking research published from one of the biggest online learning providers in the UK, The Skills Network, shows that embracing technology could help improve results…
As we face the real prospect of another new Education Minister next month we must wonder where Apprenticeships will sit and under whose watch. We…
According to figures, up to 17 million adults are not working at Level 2 for maths, the Department for Education is looking to address this…
Is failing to achieve a maths qualification in school impacting your money management ability? However you feel about maths, you’re not alone. We all use…
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