Functional Skills qualifications are intended to support learners who wish to upskill English and maths skills who have not obtained a grade 9-4 GCSE. Covering a range of topics in including using common units of measurement, handling data and solving mathematical problems, listening and writing. Developing these skills will improve your confidence and motivation to pursue your goals.

Function Skills are the vocational alternative to GCSEs, giving you the opportunity to achieve a more practical and applied qualification. They offer you a more flexible pathway, with the opportunity to start the course at any time in the year.

Why might a Functional Skills qualification be right for you?

Completing a Functional Skills qualification can open many doors and help you to achieve your goals, here are just some of the reasons you might want to consider enrolling on a course.

Improve your confidence

Completing a Maths and English qualification can be a great confidence boost, giving you the skills, you need to tackle everyday tasks and the confidence to pursue your goals, whether that be progressing on to further study, applying for new roles or securing a promotion.

Get into university

A degree can necessary for lots of careers, but many university courses require you to have a Level 2 qualification in Maths and English. Nowadays many universities accept Functional Skills qualifications as part of their entry criteria, so by studying for a Functional Skills Maths or English qualification you will be well on your way to enrolling on your dream course.

Improve job opportunities

Many jobs also require a Level 2 qualification in Maths and English and studying for a Functional Skills qualification will allow you to meet the criteria for new roles and give you the basic numeracy and literacy skills you need to thrive in your current role, opening up lots of new opportunities for you and your career.

Make everyday tasks easier

The practical focus of the Functional Skills qualifications means that you will gain numeracy and literacy skills that can be applied to your everyday life. For example, when splitting bills or cutting down costs during your weekly shop or giving you a better understanding of spelling and grammar for writing emails or applications.

Help children with homework

Completing a Functional Skills qualification may also be useful if you help a child with their homework but beginning to find the material challenging yourself. By improving your own Maths and English skills, you’ll be better able to support children with their learning.

How The Growth Company Education and Skills can support you

With level 1 and 2 qualifications available in both English and Maths, whatever your current ability, you can begin your journey with The Growth Company.

Functional Skills courses are delivered remotely and contact hours can be tailored to suit your needs, giving you the flexibility to fit your studying around your other commitments.

The course if fully funded to individuals who are a Greater Manchester resident, aged 19+ and have not previously attained a GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and Maths.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more information about Functional Skills qualifications, email [email protected]

Develop your workforce with a Functional Skills qualification

If you’re a manager, a Functional Skills qualification could also be a great way to upskill your workforce, giving your employees the skills and confidence to carry out their roles more effectively

and efficiently. Not only can upskilling increase productivity, but it can also improve employee retention, engagement and motivation.

The Functional Skills qualifications are fully funded, allowing you to develop your staff at zero cost to your business. If you would like to find out more about the opportunities to upskill your workforce with GC, email [email protected]