Remember back in school when you’d sit in maths class, wondering, “When am I actually going to use any of this?” Well, I certainly did! Years later, I found myself needing to refresh those skills for a new job. That’s where Functional Skills courses saved the day. These brilliant courses focus on the everyday maths and English you really need in the workplace and beyond.

All About Functional Skills Courses

Functional Skills courses give you the core English and maths capabilities valued by employers. These aren’t your traditional classroom experiences – they’re about applying your skills to real-life scenarios. You’ll learn how to:

• English: Write clearly and concisely, read and understand different types of texts, and communicate effectively.
• Maths: Handle everyday calculations, interpret data, solve problems, and manage finances.

Functional Skills come in various levels, similar to GCSEs. Levels 1 and 2 are the most common for workplace requirements.

What is a Functional Skills Course?

Think of a Functional Skills course as a toolkit for practical skills. Instead of memorising formulas or literary theories, you’re learning how to:

• Write clear emails and reports for work
• Calculate tips and work out discounts when shopping
• Read and understand instructions at work or on a recipe
• Measure and calculate for DIY projects

Basically, they equip you with the communication and maths skills you need for everyday life.

How Long is a Functional Skills Course?

The good news is, Functional Skills courses are flexible! The typical completion time is between 8 and 12 weeks, but it depends on a few things:

• Your existing skills: If you’re a whizz with words or numbers, you might fly through!
• Study method: Online courses often let you work at your own pace.
• Your commitment: Dedicating a few hours of focused study each week will speed things along.

Some providers give you up to a year to complete the course – perfect for busy lifestyles!

Where to Do a Level 2 Functional Skills Maths Course

You have a few brilliant options for finding a Level 2 Functional Skills Maths course:

• Online providers: These offer maximum flexibility, letting you study from anywhere, anytime. Check out platforms like Runway Training or Pass Functional Skills.
• Colleges: Many further education colleges offer Functional Skills courses, often part-time or in the evenings.
• Training Providers: Companies specializing in workplace training often deliver Functional Skills courses.

Bonus Tip: If you need both English and maths, consider bundled courses for efficiency!

FAQs

• Q: Do I need a Functional Skills qualification?

  • A: Many jobs and apprenticeships now require them. It’s also a way to boost your CV and increase your job prospects.

• Q: Do universities accept Functional Skills?

  • A: Some universities do, especially for courses with practical components or for mature students. Always check their specific entry requirements.

• Q: Are Functional Skills hard?

  • A: They’re designed to be accessible and relevant. With effort and the right support, anyone can succeed.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to up your game with everyday English and maths, a Functional Skills course could be your ticket. Bright Learning Centre is a great place to start your journey. Get in touch today to discover how we can help you unlock your full potential!